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Friday, December 5, 2008

Cool Winter Workouts



You don't have to put a halt to your good exercise habits just because it's cold.
You can do the same stuff you did in warmer weather without missing a beat. Explore these options, and you can keep fit all winter long!

snowboard

Hit the Gym!

Miss running and hitting the bike trails? Well, with all the new technology that has evolved in fitness equipment, you'll be sure to find a comparable substitute at your gym. Treadmills are really high tech now, and can be programmed to send you through a variety of courses, much like you'll find during your outdoor runs. Also, you'll get to see right in front of you how many calories you burn each session.

Take a Spin Class

If biking is your passion, then beyond just the stationary bike, you can find some real kick butt Spin classes at most gyms these days. Pushing against weighted resistance, these stationary bike workouts are challenging, and will leave you in a puddle of sweat!

spin class
Racquetball, Baby!

If tennis is your thing, and indoor tennis courts are not readily available, make the switch over to racquetball. Pretty much the same concept as tennis, but within an enclosed space and with a much faster return on the ball. This is one sport that will not only satisfy your need to swing a racquet, but will also give you an unbelievable calorie burn.

And for those die hards who won't let a little cold weather stop them, there are always the good old standbys:

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a core and leg based activity that, when done frequently, can really help keep you in shape. And for those with more of an artistic flair when it comes to movement, ice skating can be quite enjoyable. As you progress, there are always new skills to learn and old ones to work on, insuring that you'll get a good calorie burn every time.

Skiing

As ski resorts open, the winter social and fitness scene comes alive. Even more popular today than ever, skiing is not only challenging and fun, but also a great way to keep those leg and core muscles in great shape, not to mention satisfying your need for speed! With skiing, you will develop superior balance, core strength and get a good, fun workout in the process.

skiing

Snowboarding

Every year, more and more die hard snowboarders are taking to the resorts and snow parks to shred the 'nar! Snowboarding requires crazy core, hip and leg strength, and it's a workout within itself just learning to have full control of your board. Whether you just want to carve down mountains, or work crazy tricks on the half pipe, this is one activity that will get you ripped underneath all those layers of funky snowboard clothing!

Cross Country Skiing

One of the top calorie burning exercises, cross country skiing requires that you use your entire body; legs, abs, core and arms, to maneuver through rugged, snowy terrain. An hour of cross country skiing has been known to burn upwards of 800 calories per hour. This is a good, vigorous, strenuous activity that will keep you lean and mean during those long winter months.

cross country skiing
So, no excuses! Whether it's indoors or out, you can still be just as active as you were in the spring and summer. Stepping outside the box a bit can be good for you, so get to it! ;)

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23 comments:

Jackie said...

Oh my to be so young again...you look marvelous and these are all great tips.

I really should exercise more myself.

Happy weekend:-)

Anonymous said...

One more week of boot camp and then we are off to Aspen at the end of the week! All those wall sits, squats and other forms of torture better be worth it!

The Fitness Diva said...

Thanks, Shinade! Happy weekend to you, too! ;)

Kim, trust me, all the wall sits and fitness you've put in will pay off in aces! Strong core, hip, legs and that cardio will have you tearin' up those slopes like a pro!

Aspen is a dream for me! One of these days, I will be hoppin' on a plane to be there!
Enjoy your trip! :)

The Florida Furkids said...

We have the best way to avoid the cold....we live in FLORIDA!! Of course we don't do much outside in the Summer....

Sniffie and the Florida Furkids

Unknown said...

Hey, just wanted to let you know that while I am still recovering from my shoulder surgery, and getting better every day, I still can't type for long periods of time without pain. That said, I enjoyed your post and am glad I dropped by.

peace,
mike
livelife365

Anonymous said...

Hey Diva!
No Excuse. You're right. I'm not a runner but I was out there yesterday doing my thing. It actually felt great. Thanks for the reminder that we should always be MOVING!

eastcoastlife said...

Wow! You are such an achiever! It would be great to be as good as you in sports.

In my country Singapore, it's summer all year round. I have no excuse for not working out often. :P

Terry Marsh said...

Hi Diva,
I just wanted to let you know that I had to do a double-take when I saw that snowboarding photo. Initially, I thought it was YOU with the mad skills.

Have a great blogging day!
Terry Marsh

bluecrystaldude said...

I will be away for almost a week for a camp at the end of December. I am sure will be extra fit by then. Thank God our country isn't having a cool winter. A blessing and a curse :):)

Davida said...

Thanks for the reminder that I can't let the cold be an excuse to fall off on exercise.

Davida

joytoy said...

Hi, I wish I have the determination to exercise. I'm getting heavier now and I'm worried. I wish I have a body like you. LOL! Just a wish! Anyway, thanks for the comment.

riablahgs said...

this is a great tip! time to hit the gym and sweat it out =)

Anonymous said...

Raquetball is awesome!
If I had less lazy friends I'd be playing every day, haha.

Anonymous said...

So the cold weather is not a pretext of our idleness. :)

Anonymous said...

Ice skating would be a very good choice. Not only will you have fun, you'll get much needed leg exercise as well. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow that looks fun! too bad we don't have winter here in the Philippines. :(

Great post! I'm sure a lot of people will appreciate this!

Cheers FD!

Jackie said...

Just a quick drop and run hello. I hope your week has started off good!:-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Fitness Diva, it's Andrew from Discipline or Regret here.

I live in Indonesia so I'm going to be having a 32c (89f) to 35c (95f) Christmas.

I'll be heading into the mountains and jungle of Borneo for some serious hiking and maybe some even more serious adventures like getting lost ha ha :)

Take care and have a fab Christmas!
Andrew

Anonymous said...

Oh My!!! Wish I can do even just one of these activities, have to burn some fat, LOL.

Lou

Mandy said...

Before I got sick, I used to love racquetball!

Thanks for stopping by.

Mandy

HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

I wish I was a skier-I tried and was humiliated in a funny way but that is another story. I love the gym and usually run there as well as do my free weights.

Anonymous said...

These are definitely some great ideas for those looking to work out during the winter and have a good time. I think I'll stick to running though. (:

Anonymous said...

Having an exercise while you enjoying what you are doing. sounds great. you will really be successful in what you are doing. nice tips.

 
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