Be Fit, Be Merry & Get Outside

Guest Blogger Alert:  Laura Lueloff, Personal Trainer Specialist

Laura Lueloff, Personal Trainer

Be Fit, Be Merry & Get Outside

Does the thought of winter outdoor fitness make you want to snuggle deeper under that blanket on the couch?  Read on for some great ideas on how to be active while embracing the winter season!

As adults we should be getting 30-60 minutes of physical activity a day and our kids 60-90 minutes! Think about your daily routine – are you coming close? What about your kids? And how is it possible to reach these activity levels in the middle of winter? Check these great ideas out:

 
Tobogganing –Ultra fun activity you can do with your kids and burn up to ... are you ready for this? ... 340 calories per hour!  Think about the uphill climb with the toboggan and likely the kids in tow and how many times you will be up and down.  If you’re feeling really good, try running up the hill to boost your cardio.

Evening Power Walking – Anyone who has done this activity knows how wonderful and peaceful a winter evening can be.  Grab a friend and go for a 20-30 minute power walk – trust me you will want to walk very fast to stay warm!  Bundle up in lots of layers and wear some sturdy boots with lots of tread.  Make it your goal to go once a week, perhaps at the same time with the same friend so you can motivate each other.  The fresh air is invigorating and you will burn more calories as you trudge through the snow and as your body works harder to keep you warm.

Skating - Time to dust off the skates and get them sharpened (or perhaps hit up some post-holiday sales for some new ones)!  This is a fantastic activity to do as a family or even alone.  Skating leisurely for one hour can burn up to 260 calories, better yet if you incorporate some sprints and fast-paced skating you can burn up to 450 calories per hour - WOW!  Most local community centres have inexpensive public skating times throughout the week and outdoor rinks will be open soon and they are free. 

Snowshoeing – These “shoes” have come a long way since the traditional wooden ones. The new aluminum or hybrid models are lightweight and make this sport a fantastic option for getting outdoors in the winter.  Up to 450 calories per hour – another WOW!!!  This is something you can get the entire family involved in and kids love it.  And you can’t use the excuse “there’s too much snow” with this activity.

Skiing – cross country or downhill, take your pick.  This option might not be as budget friendly as the others, but it is definitely something everyone should try.  It is fun and an awesome time to spend with family and friends.  Could this much fun be exercise? Absolutely – Cross Country  (moderate pace) up to 400 calories per hour and Downhill (moderate pace) – up to 280 calories per hour.

Other holiday/winter-friendly activities worth mentioning:  shoveling snow, road hockey, snow Frisbee and snow tag.  Use your imagination, invest in some warm and practical boots and outdoor gear and you just might surprise yourself and find that getting outdoors for some winter fitness is easier and more fun than you thought.

I encourage everyone to establish a goal of being active each and every day.  And don’t wait until the new year, start now and you'll feel better throughout the holiday season and be off to a great start for 2011.  Please consult with a physician before beginning any type of new fitness program, especially if you have any questions or concerns.

Yours in health, fitness & wellness,

Laura Lueloff, Personal Trainer Specialist
Transition Fitness
http://www.transitionfitness.ca/
 
(Please note the calorie expenditures are based on a 135lb female, 165cm height)