Staying active during the winter can be tough, especially if you’re living somewhere that deals with heavy snow. Energy levels are usually low during this time. The sun goes down early, which limits your choice of activities, and people are just generally inclined to stay home and cocoon. But that doesn’t mean that you should stop moving and that you can’t fit some sort of routine in. Let’s take a look at how you can maintain a regular workout routine during the winter.

Get the Proper Gear

The first thing we would suggest is that you get everything you need to protect yourself from the cold. You also want to pick up shoes that will prevent you from slipping on snow or ice. Look for shoes with a proper grip that will be warm and waterproof – there are cleated models like the Saucony Vendetta 3 that you could try.

If you’re going to be running in cold weather, you will need running pants or tights, running gloves, a hat or headband, a long sleeve tech shirt, a windproof running jacket, and running socks. You also have to make sure that you wear as many layers as possible, as air provides a natural insulation barrier. You might also want to invest in some Oakley shades and a neck and face gaiter if you want to run against heavy winds.

Get Yourself a Treadmill

If you can’t run outside, consider getting yourself a treadmill. Don’t be put off by this idea – some people just have the wrong impression of treadmills because they’re not using them correctly. You don’t have to go on crazy 2-hour marathons to get the benefits. Instead, you can go for short sprints. A treadmill can be a great tool for interval training. You can go for one-minute sprints at high intensity followed by 2 minutes of lower intensity running for 15 minutes in total. This will allow you to burn energy during the session and well after, thanks to the metabolism-boosting benefits of HIIT.

Another thing you could do is jump on the treadmill every hour for 5 to 15 minutes. This will all add up at the end of the day, and you’ll notice that your thoughts will be much clearer. It will elevate your mood as well.

But, know that it’s important to read reviews before making a big purchase, so make sure you check out a few before you buy your next treadmill. 

Get Yourself a Nintendo Switch

Another thing you could do is get yourself a motion-controlled console like the Nintendo Switch. What makes these so great is that you’ll barely notice that you’re getting a workout since you’ll be having so much fun. The whole family can get involved and you can try fitness games, sports games, or regular games that will get you moving, like dance titles. 

Embrace Winter Sports

Another thing you should do if you want to stay active and beat the winter blues is try practicing a few winter sports. A lot of people view winter as an off-season for sports, but some of the most fun and exciting sports are winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding are two examples. Skating and ice hockey are also two great options. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even get into sports like luge and bobsledding. 

As you can see, there are tons of ways that you can keep a workout routine in the winter. It’s all about being properly equipped, having the right mindset, and not being afraid to try new things.