Cold Weather Exercise
It is cold outside. You don't want to exercise. Most people can go to the gym and run or walk on a treadmill. Trucks don't come equipped with treadmills. We have options. We can sit in the truck. We can go outside and brave the cold. I suggest getting out and dressing properly. Being cold stinks. Dressing properly can make it comfortable.
I like to run. I prefer winter running to hot weather. Some of my favorite runs are during a light snowfall There is just something special to me running on a wooded trail. Well that is until it gets a little too deep. No problem, time for cross country skiing. When you live up here you need to make trade offs. It is better than giving up.
Experts say that cross country skiing is great exercise and I believe them. You can go as slow or fast as you want. I seem to average about 6 mph which is about the same as my longer runs. I am a traditional cross country skier. That is similar to a walking motion and does not take a lot of athleticism. It works well when you are skiing through virgin snow. Others will ski in a skating fashion. Basically, you use your skis as if you are speed skating. This takes more athleticism as well as a groomed trail. We have several area parks that groom ski trails. It is fun and I can do it, but prefer the less traveled trails that require traditional skiing. Skis travel easily in the truck and I have carried them with me. You can ski anywhere there is snow.
Snow shoeing is another option. If you think it isn't real exercise, you haven't done it. Go skating. Take the kids or grand kids sledding. Dragging the sleds or tubes back up the hill is real exercise. And those kids never seem to get tired.
No matter what you choose to do dressing properly is key. Even if you are walking the extra clothing might make you sweat under all of those layers. Wear wicking or dri fit clothing as you first layer. I prefer long sleeve T shirts then hooded sweatshirts with a windbreaker “shell” jacket as the final layer. A bright reflective jacket is advisable. My gloves are lightweight wicking gloves. When I wear heavy gloves my hands get too warm when I run and I end up taking them off and putting them back on again. When it gets real cold I wear a baraclava mask. It is a full face mask that is meant to be worn under a helmet. I also have a wicking beanie that I often wear under a plain knit hat.
Go outside and have fun. If you're having fun, it doesn't seem like exercise.