3 Ways to Stay Active through the Indiana Winter
We are starting to feel the chill of our Indiana winters and with gym access more complicated than ever, it’s important to find new ways to stay active in cold weather. Today we’re offering three easy tips to stay active during the long, chilly months ahead.
Safer Outdoor Winter Runs
Many individuals started running during this pandemic and it may be tempting to keep training outdoors, all winter long. For the most part, there’s no reason to stop running during winter. We do, however, have some suggestions to stay safe during cold weather runs. Try to start your runs after sunrise or before sunset so you can see (and avoid) icy patches that could cause you to slip. And, when you do run, stick to the middle of the road. After all, ice tends to build up at lower points, like dips in the pavement or at the shoulder of the road. By staying in the middle - when it’s safe to do so - you can help avoid falling during winter runs.
Find Your Winter Zen with Yoga
If cold weather and general stress are getting you down, yoga is a great way to calm down while staying active. Bonus? You don’t need to leave your house to start your practice. No mat? No problem! Just grab a towel or a thick spot of carpet. Then get on YouTube and search for some free yoga videos. You can also google a few different positions you can try to master. (Downward dog is a personal favorite of podiatrists, since it can stretch out your calves and help prevent heel pain!)
Best of all, yoga is an activity that fits in well with any of your other fitness routines. Practicing yoga can tone your muscles while stretching them out and help prevent future injury!
Hang 10 with Winter Swim Routines
If your local pool is open, indoor swimming is an incredible way to stay active all winter long. Pool workouts are one of the top podiatrist-approved exercise options because you get cardiovascular exercise AND build strength without putting additional stress on your feet or ankles.
Working on resistance training? Try arm circles underwater with special pool weights or even just your body weight. Want to boost your cardiovascular fitness? Swim laps for distance or even try jogging in the pool. Both options will prove very challenging while offering you the benefits of a low impact exercise routine.
Hopefully, you’re feeling a little less anxious about the long winter months ahead. We want you to see that you won’t have to give up on activity even when the temperature dips. We also want you to know that you don’t have to live with foot pain. Regardless of the weather - or the pandemic - it’s important to address foot pain right away because it will get worse if you don’t! Schedule a consultation with our Hamilton and Boone County podiatrist today. We’re here for you in winter, spring, summer and fall!