If the commitment of a year-long membership is entirely off-putting to you, consider a seasonal membership. Make a goal of completing three work-outs a week from January to March (this is only 36 workouts total). Having a specific goal means you are more likely to achieve it.
Also, you will find yourself happier and healthier by staying active. Just like people only ski for a season, consider making a commitment to working at a gym your seasonal activity. Many gyms offer one-month and three-month membership plans, so don’t feel like it’s a year-long commitment or nothing.
Make shopping your exercise
Box stores provide plenty of room to get in some walking. Before you gather your items, try to complete a few laps around the store. Using your smartphone or a step tracker may help keep you motivated to keep moving.
There’s no one-size-fits-all prescription for fitness, but here are some general guidelines to know how many steps are enough: Amateur, 6,000 steps; average, 7,000-8,000 steps; elite, 10,000+ steps.
Make a home gym that works
There is a plethora of free exercise videos on YouTube that have a full range of intensity and duration. Videos can also be rented from your local library. This is a great time to try something new like yoga, tai chi or pilates.
You could even turn TV viewing into a more active event. Consider doing squats, jogging in place, sit-ups, or knocking out a few burpees for the duration of each commercial.
Remaining active during the winter will allow you to return to your other seasonal activities with increased ease. You will also find winter seems much shorter and more enjoyable if you are able to stay active.
Still have questions about that right workout program for you? Schedule a consultation with your physical therapist. We would be happy to help get you moving!
Andrea Ancel is a physical therapist at Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center in Harbor Springs. She may be reached via email at aancel@nmsportsmed.com. This information is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional.
