Battling the Tail End of Winter Blues

With all of this recent March snow, Mother Nature is reminding us that winter doesn't really end in upstate NY until at least mid-way through April. One day it's warm, the next it's freezing and there is a ton of gloppy white stuff mixing with the mud left over from the other day. March, is not pretty.

The holidays are over, we are kicking our fitness level up a notch because spring is around the corner, however, it's still cold. It's still damp. It's still dreary. It's hard to find workout motivation when it just... sucks outside.

There's good news for everyone! It is possible to workout in the winter and find the motivation to keep going. Here are five awesome and fun exercise options when you just don't feel like doing anything.

1. Cross Country Ski

Trust me. It's not bad. I picked cross country skiing because it can be for any fitness level. Downhill skiing involves twists, turns, acceleration, deceleration, and some serious coordination. I'm not knocking it because it's a great workout, but if you are looking to stick to some good 'ol cardio that can be beginner, intermediate, or advanced, cross country is the way to go. In a nutshell, you slap on a pair of thin skis (this is a process in and of itself, but once you've got it, you've got it) and you glide your feet back and forth in soft snow. Most of the time, especially if you're not back country and you're just looking for some easy trails, the snow trails will be groomed already and you can just go. The paths are mostly straight with some tiny hills here and there for beginners (you can choose what you prefer). Bundle up and head outside. The air is refreshing and when you are done, you can warm up in the lodge. A great local place to try it out is Lapland Lake in Northville, NY.

2. Snow Shoe

If you already have a pair of snowshoes, this activity is totally free! If you don't have a pair, go borrow someone's because the world is your oyster here. Freshly fallen snow that's lightly packed is the best to walk on. You can explore anywhere your heart desires (within reason of course). The New York State Department of Parks and Rec has parks all over NYS that are free to roam. There is nothing like hanging out in the woods when the leaves are gone, the air is crisp, and there is silence around you. The only "noises" you may hear are the crackling of branches, the brushing of your shoes, the tweeting of songbirds, and maybe even the flap of owl wings if you are lucky.

3. Do Yoga

Winter is a great time to go find your zen. In the summer, we are so busy going to parties, taking vacations, or just hanging out, that we rarely take the time to go within. Yoga can be a great strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular workout and there are so many different types that you are bound to find one that's well suited for you. Yoga will raise your temperature, strengthen your muscles, and center your mind. ~Namaste

4. Hire a Personal Trainer

Tell me you didn't see this one coming? Think about it, you will have someone to create a

program that is customized to your individual needs. Then, that person will beat the crap out of you and you will come back for more because it's fun! Why? Here are a few reasons: You feel accomplished. You stayed accountable. You got out of the house. You got to socialize with someone who has your best interest at heart. You showed up. You did the work. We have lots of specialized trainers at PIT Fitness who are ready, willing, and able to keep your mind off of the snow and in your fitness!

5. Go Swimming

This one could get a little pricey, but if you belong to a membership gym with a pool OR if you do a little search and find a pool at one of the local schools near you, you are going to add a whole new level of fitness to your routine. I am a water bug and there is nothing I love

more than sticking my head under water and not hearing anything, but my own swish. Talk about meditation! Being able to submerge yourself in water in the crappiest time of winter is liberating. It might make you forget for a hot minute that it's even cold out! The options you have for aquatic workouts are endless. You can lap swim, take aquatic cardio or strength classes, and you can even just jump into a lap with some resistance gear on and go to town! Totally worth it.

You don't have to be a slave to the cold and snow. Winter is a prime time to grip onto your fitness goals and go get them like there's no tomorrow! What are some of your favorite winter activities? We would love to hear from you!

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