As winter blankets our part of the world in snow and temperatures remain low, it’s tempting to hibernate indoors until conditions change. However, staying active is crucial for maintaining the health of your muscles and bones during the colder months. In this guide, we’ll explore simple stretches and exercises that can be incorporated into your winter routine for a healthier, year-round you.
Why Winter Requires Special Attention
The winter chill brings more than just cozy soup, seasonal coffee blends, and wardrobe changes. It can also lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility in our muscles and joints. Indoor heating, combined with reduced outdoor activity, contributes to these issues. To combat the winter blues and keep your body in top shape, consider adding some winter-friendly stretches and exercises to your daily routine.
Stretches for Flexibility
Neck and Shoulder Stretch: Combat the tension accumulated from winter activities with a gentle neck and shoulder stretch. While seated or standing, tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Work your way into it gently and slowly and feel the stress release as the muscles lengthen. Hold for 15-30 seconds on each side, repeating as needed.
Spinal Twist: For spine flexibility, try a seated or lying spinal twist. Sit or lie down, cross one leg over the other, and gently twist your torso in the opposite direction. This stretch promotes spinal health and helps prevent winter-related back pain.
Exercises for Strength
Bodyweight Exercises: Maintain muscle strength without fancy equipment with bodyweight exercises. Squats, lunges, planks, wall sits, and push-ups can all be done at home—or in the workplace if you’re brave and discrete—promoting overall strength and flexibility.
Indoor Cardio Workouts: Don’t let the cold hinder your cardiovascular health. Incorporate indoor activities like jumping jacks, high knees, or even dancing to keep your heart pumping and maintain your fitness levels.
Balance and Stability Exercises
Single-Leg Stands: Enhance stability by incorporating single-leg standing exercises. Stand on one leg for 15-30 seconds, switch, and repeat. This helps improve balance, crucial for navigating icy sidewalks.
Heel-to-Toe Walk: Boost stability with a heel-to-toe walking exercise. Take small steps, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other. This exercise enhances joint stability and might even prevent a winter slip or fall.
Combine All of the Above
Winter can be a great time to try something new, like an online beginner yoga routine. There are a wide variety of simple, safe, and rewarding beginner yoga options online that gently stretch and strengthen muscles and joints, while improving balance and elevating your heart rate and mood. One popular option you might want to consider is Yoga with Adriene and one of her yoga for beginners routines. If that feels good, you might also want to try her 30-days of yoga experience.
Tips for Safe Winter Workouts
Warm-Up: Before diving into any exercise routine, it’s important to warm up adequately. Perform light cardio, such as jumping jacks or jogging in place, to increase blood flow and prepare your muscles for activity.
Wear Appropriate Attire: Dress in layers to stay warm if you take your workout outdoors. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and a waterproof outer layer to protect against the elements.
Hydration and Nutrition: Even in cold weather, staying hydrated is vital. Drink water before, during, and after your workout. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet to support your body’s nutritional needs during the winter months.
Adapting Workouts for Various Fitness Levels
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, these stretches and exercises can be adapted to your fitness level. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity, duration, and reps, allowing your body to adjust to the winter routine.
The Role of Orthopedic Care in Winter Wellness
While these exercises contribute to overall winter wellness, it’s essential to address persistent pain or discomfort. The entire MOSH team is here to provide professional evaluation and physical therapy if needed. You have our support to stay on course throughout your winter health and fitness journey.
As winter stretches on, don’t let the cold weather put the freeze on your wellness goals. Incorporate these simple stretches and exercises into your routine and keep your muscles and bones happy and healthy all season long. At MOSH, we’re your partner in achieving and maintaining an active lifestyle. With conveniently located physical therapy clinics throughout Greater Milwaukee and extended-hours ortho walk-in clinics requiring no referral, we’re here to support you on your winter wellness journey.