The summer is a great season to spend time outdoors. For many people, where the climate isn’t terrible, summer allows for more outdoor sports and activities. But what do you do when you love the outdoors, but the seasons are changing and it’s starting to get cold? Here are a few things that you can do to stay active in the colder months:
Skiing is definitely a workout
Whether you’re more of a snowboarder or you prefer skiing, winter sports can be a great way to keep up with workouts and high-intensity activity when the snow is falling. While you’ll definitely want to make sure that you’re staying warm with the best snow suits, you’ll be amazed at how well you can work up a sweat while hitting the slopes throughout the day. If you’ve never skied before, get a ski pass and start learning with an instructor.
Before you know it, you’ll be hitting the slopes like a pro. At the very least, you’ll be getting some movement and exercise in, so it’s worth learning.
Running with the right gear is possible
If you are a runner when the weather is warm, you’re probably still a runner when the weather is cold. You just need to switch up your running gear a little. Instead of wearing your traditional leggings when it’s cold out, invest in warmer options that are designed to keep you warm. Head/ear coverings plus a warm gaiter are accessories that you’ll also want to consider.
While it may take more preparation to get out there, you can still run even when the weather is showing signs of snow to come.
Hide away at the gym
If you really can’t do cold weather but still want to work out, bring your workouts to the gym. If you’re an avid runner but can’t stand running outside in cold weather, use a treadmill. If you’re missing the joy of rock climbing outside, join a local climbing gym. Look for alternatives to the things you enjoy doing outdoors, and just learn to do them inside when the weather is too chilly for your preference.
Do snow biking
For mountain bikers who live in an area where mountain biking goes out of season because of snowfall, you may miss your adrenaline rush over the winter. However, there is something known as snow biking. While you will need to relearn the sport, so to speak, it’s just as fun and can get you that adrenaline rush that you know and love—just over snow and ice instead of dirt and rock.
Whether you rent snow bikes or buy one for the snowy months, know that it’s a sport that can bring just as much excitement as your regular summer and spring sport of mountain biking.
Ice hockey is fun
If you enjoy team sports like soccer or softball, you may miss them when the snow comes along. However, winter months offer alternative sports that can only be enjoyed when it’s cold enough, so why not consider something as fun as ice hockey?
Check out local groups to see where you can sign up for a local ice hockey league or pick up games. You’ll find ice hockey to be a great way to work up a sweat while also making new friends as you get involved in a new sport. Come springtime, it’ll be time to say goodbye (unless you find an indoor rink), so take advantage of the cold months to give it a shot.
From skiing to ice hockey, the cold weather allows for new opportunities for fun in the great outdoors. Just make sure you’re properly geared up and get out there and have a blast. Winter only comes once a year, so you might as well make the most of it with these kinds of activities mentioned above.