The most common New Year’s resolution is to exercise more, according to NPR and The Marist Poll. Losing weight and a vow to “eat better” came in third and fourth, respectively.
All of the above certainly rank high on our lists, which is why we decided to take a break from talking about real estate and homeownership responsibilities and talk fitness as we head into the new year.
While the aforementioned survey didn’t say why 80 percent of us fail to keep our resolutions, when it comes to fitness and losing weight, the weather could have something to do with it.
Baby, it’s cold outside
Sure, there are some die-hard outdoor enthusiasts who will jog in any weather, but for most of us, winter means moving the fitness routine indoors. Whether your favorite activity is a sport or a rigorous workout routine, we’ve scoured tips to help you burn calories, indoors, on the cheap.
Runners
There are indoor tracks in most major and many smaller cities. Check out the YWCA or YMCA. If all else fails, take to the treadmill at the local gym.
Bikers
Fortunate are those bikers who live in a town with a velodrome, such as that offered in Blaine, Minnesota’s National Sports Center. Lacking an indoor bike facility, again, hit the gym.
Skaters
Trade the summer wheels for blades at an ice-skating rink. Open skate sessions are typically inexpensive and hours convenient to practice your axel to your heart’s content.
Don’t want to give up your wheels? Indoor roller rinks are ideal.
Swimmers
Burn those calories indoors at a YMCA pool.
Bend it like Beckham – Indoors
Blue skies and balmy temperatures make for ideal soccer weather. Don’t let the fact that we don’t have year-round futbol weather prevent you from working on bending that ball like David Beckham.
Indoor soccer is the solution. Not only can you keep your skills up but enjoy an excellent cardio workout with some core work as a bonus.
Many parks and rec facilities offer indoor leagues and practice areas when there aren’t games.
Strollers
If walking is the way you stay fit you can still do it, even in the dead of winter. Community centers are the place to find walking tracks but don’t overlook the local mall.
Just don’t wreck your workout session with window shopping and noshing.
Try Something New
If your workout-routine of choice doesn’t involve a gym during the mild weather months but you just can’t face the thought of joining one during the winter, consider trying something new that’s not related to sitting on a stationary bike in a room full of sweaty people.
For strength training and cardio, consider swinging kettlebells. You can pick them up at any sporting goods store, Walmart or Target.
Then, in your own living room you can blast away 20 calories per minute, with a 20-minute routine being “the equivalent of running a 6-minute mile pace,” according to a study published at AceFitness.org.
Of course, you’ll need a cool routine, so search YouTube videos for “Kettlebell Workout Routines.”
With any of these suggestions you can emerge from winter with your hot and healthy body ready for spring.