Winter is often seen as a time to cosy up indoors, but that doesn't mean you have to trade your physical activity for comfort. It is normal to be tempted to hibernate and indulge in comfort foods, making it challenging to stay active and maintain a healthy weight. The good news is that there are plenty of enjoyable activities that can help you stay fit and lose weight while enjoying the season.
Fun Winter Activities To Lose Weight
According to Harvard Health Publishing, you can exercise more effectively in colder weather because your heart has to work less, you perspire less, and you use less energy. Also, engaging in winter workouts provides an opportunity for exposure to sunlight, potentially helping to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that some individuals may face in the winter season.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is not just a delightful winter pastime; it's also an effective full-body exercise. When you glide on the ice, you engage your core, legs, and arms, while also improving your balance and coordination. According to research conducted by Harvard Medical School, engaging in half an hour of ice skating can result in a calorie burn ranging from 210-311 calories for an individual weighing approximately 155 pounds.
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Skiing and Snowboarding
If you're near snowy slopes, consider hitting the ski resort for a thrilling workout. Skiing and snowboarding are not only thrilling winter sports but also effective calorie-burning activities. The continuous movement as you go downhill engages various muscle groups, contributing to enhanced strength and endurance.
Winter Hiking
Another way of burning calories while enjoying nature’s beauty is winter hiking. Hiking uphill in the snow provides an intense cardiovascular workout, working your leg muscles and boosting your metabolism.
Sledging
Recapture the childlike joy of sledging while giving your body a workout. Climbing back up the hill after each exhilarating ride provides an excellent cardiovascular and lower-body workout. The effort to balance and steer the sledge engages your core muscles, making sledging a surprisingly effective and enjoyable way to burn calories.
Snowball Fight
Turn a snowball fight into a fun and effective cardiovascular exercise. Dodging, running, and throwing snowballs engage various muscle groups, providing a full-body workout. Surprisingly, spending just 30 minutes making snow angels can help burn around 107 calories, as stated by Outdoor Troop.
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Winter Yoga
You can even take your yoga practice outdoors and enjoy the peace of a winter landscape. Many communities offer outdoor winter yoga classes, or you can create your own serene space. Practising yoga in the winter not only helps improve flexibility and balance but also enhances mindfulness, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Indoor Activities
If venturing into the winter weather isn't your preference, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you active. You can join a winter sports league, try indoor rock climbing, or take up a dance class. Many gyms offer winter-themed fitness classes, providing a warm and inviting environment to burn calories and stay fit.
Other Activities To Engage In Winter
Apart from this, various other activities can help you keep your weight in check, such as:
- Running
- Jumping rope
- Jumping squats
- Nature walk
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence we advise you to consult your expert for a weight loss plan tailored to your body type.]