Top 5 Exercises to Get You Through the Winter Months

You know when you’re at a gym and you see those perfectly put-together, bombshell women who work out seemingly without breaking a sweat? Well, I’m not one of them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not hating on them or anything like that – I’m just not one of them. I’m more of the hair-is-in-a-mess-but-it’s-out-of-my-face kind of girl, with one of my husband’s stretched-out t-shirts on.

That is my workout life in the warmer months. During the winter, I normally retreat into my couch potato hibernation, until last year that is. Last year I found these exercises worked best for getting me through the winter with minimal cheese dust on my fingers…

1. Walking

Walking is my all-time favorite exercise, I can do it with a friend, or my husband, or my dogs. I’m a relatively new mom so venturing out in winter with my sweet angel likely won’t happen, but when it’s warmer I will walk with him too. Walking improves your heart and lung fitness as well as reduces any joint or muscle pain you may have. It also promotes stronger bones and better balance – all of that and normally a pretty view too, you just can’t beat it.

• Yoga

I used to be amazing at yoga when I was in my early twenties, that has since changed drastically but I am willing to keep trying until I get it right again. Yoga is the perfect way to reduce stress, improve posture and strengthen your core. One of the best things about yoga is you only need a good mat and a water bottle complete with ultra-cute Hydro flask stickers by bigmoods. Having your best friend with you is highly recommended though.

• Ice Skating

Ice skating can help you burn around 200 calories an hour and winter is the only time you’ll get to do this. Although technically not your standard form of exercise, ice skating teaches you to engage your muscles just to keep standing which is great for toning them, over time it will also help you improve your control over your body and drastically increase your overall endurance. As a bonus, ice skating is great cardio and a ton of fun, so you’ll be motivated to exercise even on those days when you don’t feel like doing anything.

• Jumping Jacks

If you’re feeling brave and energetic then jumping jacks are the way to go. These punishing suckers work just about every muscle in your body, including muscles you didn’t even know you had. Spend a bit of time in the warm afternoon sun and jump to your heart’s content – quite literally, jumping jacks are an excellent cardio workout.

• Squats

Squats are the only way to get a great bum, they’re difficult at first but once you build up some tolerance you’ll be good to go. Squats will help you develop strength and power as well as help you tone in a way that no other exercise routine can. The only tricky thing with squats is that you need to get your form right for this functional exercise to strengthen your core and improve your balance without doing damage.