It’s tough to be active outside when it’s -20 below. And sure, shovelling all that snow has made you fed up with winter, but hey, I would consider that exercise! LOL. Okay, all kidding aside, going outside and getting some exercise is not only a good way to keep the weight off, but helps boost your immune system and your mental health as well.
And yes, there are a number of ways you can go out doors and beat those winter blahs.
So it’s time for a winter Adventure!
Going for a hike and enjoying nature is great for overall health. We have many great trails both inside the city and in the nearby country that offer a great winter experience. The best thing is it’s free! And it really helps improve your mood.
Go for Skate. There is no excuse for giving this a try. Indoor and outdoor rinks, duck ponds and the river trail all give you a chance to lace up.
Cross Country Skiing - gliding over the snow will get that heart-rate up and yet is easy on the joints. We have a lot of groomed and ungroomed trails that will keep you going!Snowshoeing - is similar to hiking but lets you go into deep snow areas. The nice thing is that this is low-impact on the joints as the snow helps to cushion the impact.
Want something more challenging?
Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding is a great reason to get out and enjoy the day.
Fat Biking - hopping on one of these all-terrain bikes is a great cardio workout. Although expensive to buy outright, rentals are usually available.Whatever you choose, the important thing is to dress appropriately.
In Scandinavia, there is a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
The important thing is to Layer! Each layer has a function;
Base layer or underwear layer: wicks sweat off your skin
A Synthetic Base Layer like nylon or polyester is preferred, although a natural fabric like wool and bamboo could be used.
Middle layer is your insulating layer: retains body heat to protect you from the cold
Wool or fleece is great, whereas a down or synthetic jacket are also good options.
Outer layer or Shell: shields you from the elements - wind, rain, snow.
You can opt for Waterproof, Wind-resistant, etc. There are a lot of options.
It’s always a good idea to wear all layers on every outing. You can take a layer off if you get hot, but you can’t put on layers if they aren’t with you!
Don’t forget a hat and mitts. You lose a lot of heat from your extremities and are accessible to frostbite. I prefer mitts to gloves - keeping the fingers together help to retain some body heat.
Goggles and a neck warmer or scarf should be considered.
VEHICLE TRAVEL - BE PREPARED
If you decide to go out for a country adventure it’s important to keep certain things in your car for an unexpected emergency. Here a number of things to consider;
- Water in an Insulated Thermos
- Non-perishable foods like nuts, seeds and energy bars
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Spare Clothing
- Matches, Candle, Flashlight
- Hand and feet warmers
- Notepad/paper and pencil
- First Aid Kit
- Small Shovel
- Extra batteries, Portable Charger
- Portable Battery Booster, Booster cables
- Small tool kit
- Full tank of gas
Even though the weather may be less than desirable, you can still make the best of it.
Planning in advance is always a good thing for a more challenging adventure. Checking out the weather, packing the right equipment and layering, will all make your outdoor time a great experience.
