Baby, it’s cold outside
So are you one of those people who “hates the cold”? Do you use “it’s too cold to walk/run/do anything ouside” as an excuse to avoid physical activity from October to March? I used to hate wintertime too (well, except for Christmas and my birthday) and now people think I’m a freak because I have developed an affinity for the cold outdoors. I have some ideas, tips and advice about exercising outdoors. You may roll your eyes, but you may decide to give it a try.
Excuse number one, “It’s too cold.” Yes, it is too cold to go outside in your skivvies. But it’s not too cold to go outside with a coat, a hat, some gloves and warm socks. Warm clothes were made for winter, use them and wear them. If you live in Utah or any other state with four seasons, you should probably own a coat warm enough for the weather. Wear it.
Excuse number two, “It’s too cold.” Yes, you are still going to know it’s cold out even if you’re wearing a hat, gloves, mittens and a parka. In the summertime, I still know it’s hot outside even if I’m sitting in the car with the air conditioner on. What do you do to deal with it? GET MOVING. Do you remember me explaining what “moderate activity” is? It means you start to break a sweat. Sweating means your body is getting warm. If you get moving, you will get warmer. I have to be honest, walking on a cold, cold day (in Utah that’s about 20 degrees) is one of the only times I feel truly warm when it’s that cold out because I sweat. I’m usually wearing tights, some sweat pants, thick socks, a turtleneck, a parka, a hat and a pair of gloves and by the time I’ve finished 45 minutes, the back of my neck is wet with sweat. I feel warmed all the way through.
Excuse number three, “I can do the same thing inside.” Yes, yes you can, if you enjoy feeling like a hamster on a wheel. We all know that “going for a walk” and “getting on the treadmill” are two very different things. And so do our bodies. You’ve probably heard that exercise helps people be less depressed, but more recent research has shown that exercising OUTSIDE is the real treatment for mild depression. Researchers aren’t entirely sure if it’s the Vitamin D our bodies create from the sun or if it’s simply being near nature, but something about being outside helps us feel better.
Excuse number four, and the only one I’m willing to accept, is that the air quality is unhealthy. If you live in Northern Utah during inversion season, it’s simply unsafe to breathe the air.
Excuse number five, “I’ll slip and fall.” OK, possible, and if you’re an octegenarian whose had a double knee replacement, I’d take that as an excuse. But if you’re 25 years old, BE CAREFUL! Wear shoes with good traction, walk where you know the sidewalks have been shoveled, get those “tire chains for your feet” (Yes, they exist and runners put them on their shoes in the wintertime and if you click on that link you’ll see what they are.) Many cities clear walking paths, and even if people don’t clear their sidewalks, streets are usually cleared of snow and the asphalt is better for your knees than cement anyway.
Excuse number six, “Walking’s boring.” Well good thing it’s winter and there’s all kinds of stuff to do! Go sledding. Walking up that hill five of six times is fabulous exercise. Go snowboarding or skiing. Yep, it can be a bit expensive, but you might try it just to see what you think. But my favorite is going snow shoeing. Don’t roll your eyes at me. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, snow shoeing might seem a little dull, but if you’re someone who likes to be in nature and takes time to smell the flowers, snow shoeing might be just up your alley. You can rent snow shoes at the local sporting goods store. You wear your regular snow boots (do you have a pair of Sorels or other warm snow boots?), bundle up and go find a snow covered path up the canyon. If there’s a lot of snow you can even go out to the golf course. Any dirt road that doesn’t get used in the winter is a great snow shoeing trail. You won’t get lost because you’ve got a path, but vehicles probably won’t be able to drive on them during the winter.
Aside from getting “warmed to the bone,” I love being outside during the winter because it’s incredibly peaceful and truly beautiful. After a snow, it’s quiet and white. You’ll see winter birds you didn’t know existed and make “smiling friends” (you’re only friends because you smile at them) with the other people who are “hard core” enough to be outside too. And, yes, there are a few people who are walking in the cold with you.
May you be happy, healthy and rosy-cheeked,
Regan
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