It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each week they pick a theme and bloggers join in and link up. This year instead of specific themes, they are letting us be creative with broad themes for each week of the month. This is the second “Fitness” themed week. It is pretty cold here in Chicago (though better than it could be!) so I am sharing “5 Ways to Winterize Your Workout.”
If you live in a cold weather place it is easy to hibernate instead of getting outside to get a workout done. Between hibernation and the holidays, your waistline could be in danger. Don’t despair: Take these tips on how to winterize your workout, have fun and stay fit over the winter months.
1. Get Cute Gear – In winter it can be easy to put on the biggest, comfiest clothes you can find. Get some cute, flattering fitness gear you feel good in and you will be more apt to wear it and get some exercise! Then go to the gym, take off your big, puffy coat and show them off!
2. Layer Up and Run Outside – It’s all about the right gear again but wear layers to keep warm and get some fresh air and Vitamin D by running outside. All natural merino wool base layers and socks are great for warmth and sweat-wicking – and they don’t smell when you heat up! I love my CEP Compression Merino Run Socks to wear under the my pants or tights and Icebreaker pieces for the top. Take off the base layers quickly when you come inside so you don’t get cold and clammy! Also, if the footing is tough, be careful and ratchet back the pace if you need to.
3. Find a Buddy (or a Bunch of Buddies) – It is much easier to get outside when you know someone is waiting for you. Plus, you can set a group goal to run a spring race or take a warm weather trip for a race in winter for extra motivation and excitement.
4. Try a New Winter Sport – Have you wanted to try snowshoes or cross country skis? Search for places that rent them in your area. Some stores, like REI, and public parks rent snowshoes at a reasonable rate. Check your local parks department for events and activities.
5. Find a Fave Indoor Workout or a New Group Fitness Class – Do some online research to find a few easy workouts you can do at home (or at your gym) with body weight and household items. You can even do these when watching TV. No excuses! Hint: There are tons of great workouts posted on Pinterest for free. Most gyms offer introductory rates or first class deals. Try a bunch of new things. Or look for a group purchasing deal like Groupon or Gilt City for gyms you want to try.
If you are in Chicago (or Miami), snag a FREE Soul Cycle class with the Target x SoulCycle pop-up tour. The tour will be in Chicago (and Miami) Friday, February 5th – Sunday, February 7th at at Venue Six10 (610 S. Michigan Avenue). Classes will be held at various times between 8 am and 6 pm. You can see the times here and sign up starting at 3:00 PM today (Friday, January 29). Not possible, check to see if ClassPass is in your town. Available in 29 US cities and 5 cities abroad, you can take unlimited classes at select studios up to 3 per studio per month for only $99/month. Get $20 off your first month with this link.
PS. (a/k/a – Tip #6) From Finds’ fave nutritionist Lauren: “Don’t forget to hydrate. Research says you feel 40 percent less thirsty in the cold than when you’re warm, but remember to keep sipping when you’re working out! Even if you don’t see or feel it, you are still sweating and losing water when exercising out in the cold, so it’s important to remain hydrated throughout the day.”
How do you winterize your workout?
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways and this week’s Wednesday Giveaway Round Up Link Up!
Please note: This post contains referral links. If you join/buy with these links, I will get a small fee in return for sending you to sign up and you will get a discount for signing up if you have not already. A win-win!