During the colder months of the year, our immune systems could all do with a boost. Bugs and viruses are rife, and several factors, including lack of household ventilation and less natural vitamin D, make winter a natural hotbed for colds.
There are multiple methods of boosting your immune system in winter, such as taking supplements, getting your flu jab and eating healthily. Another fantastic way to safeguard both your physical and mental well-being is to stay active. While heading out to the gym on a frosty morning may be the last thing you want to do, the positive effects of a moderate winter workout can be extraordinary.
Ice Skating
You may not be lucky enough to live near an ice skating arena, winter sports centre or even a suitable lake; however, in the run-up to Christmas, many community spaces, such as malls and markets, open family ice skating rinks. If you’ve never tried it before, ice skating may seem scary at first, but great fun when you get the hang of it. Low impact and excellent for strengthening your leg muscles and core, ice skating is a fantastic activity that all the family can enjoy, so get your skates on and head down to the nearest rink.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Other activities your local winter sports centre might offer include skiing and snowboarding. These activities can be either gentle or intense, depending on your skill level. That said, it’s unlikely that you’ll be attempting to take on Corbet’s Couloir as a beginner. The only way to improve at skiing and snowboarding is to book some lessons and to practise persistently. Not only will you be getting a complete cardiovascular workout, but you’ll be learning a new skill which can be tremendously rewarding.
Swimming
The idea of plunging into a chilly pool when you’re already shivering from the cold weather is probably not your idea of fun. Nevertheless, winter cold water swimming can be incredibly therapeutic. Cold water helps to boost the body’s white blood cell count and sends electrical impulses to your brain, releasing endorphins – the body’s feel-good hormones. If you want to try cold water swimming, the right gear is essential. Purchase a thermal wetsuit and never swim unaccompanied. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to swim sans the shock of icy water, you could always find a local pool maintained at a comfortable temperature.
Walking and Running
Few forms of exercise benefit the body and mind more than walking. A brisk hike on a clear winter’s day can do wonders for your sense of well-being. Furthermore, walking is a wholesome, low-impact exercise that also acts as an enjoyable social activity. If you’d prefer a more robust cardiovascular workout, simply pick up the pace. Running is high-impact, making it less suitable for those with decreased mobility or joint pain. However, running enthusiasts enjoy a range of health benefits, including increased bone density and muscular strength. During intense sessions, staying hydrated and consuming energy gels for running can increase your endurance and improve your performance.
Sledding
Once the landscape is coated in thick swathes of glistening snow, it’s time to get the sled out and head to the steepest hill. Sledding is a fantastic family activity that may not seem like an intense workout initially, but trekking up those slopes will surely get your blood pumping. Whether you opt for a rudimentary plastic toboggan or a state-of-the-art sled with steering and brakes, the thrill of zooming downhill at eye-watering speeds is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and send you back to your childhood.
Yoga
Due to the colder weather, you may experience joint stiffness and muscle tightness. An excellent way to improve your flexibility is with regular gentle yoga. Not only is yoga remarkably beneficial for core strength and joint flexibility, but this ancient practice can also act as a fantastic low-impact cardiovascular activity. Check your local gym or community centre for yoga classes, or alternatively, you could simply purchase a yoga mat and follow along with online tutorials. That said, in-person yoga is arguably the better option for beginners, as you will be under the supervision of an experienced instructor who can correct your postures and ensure you’re practising safely.
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