Even without a gym membership, there are plenty of ways for you to work up a sweat. Here are some tips and exercises to help keep you active during any season.
All Weather Running
Even if it’s cold outside, you can go for a run if you’re properly prepared and dressed to handle it. Before starting your run, you should do a quick warmup inside. This includes stretching and some light exercises to get your blood flowing. Jumping jacks or working with a jump rope are both good ways to accomplish this.
When going for a run, a good rule of thumb is to dress as if it’s around 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. Keep in mind that this doesn’t account for the wind chill factor. Make sure to protect both your head and hands in cold weather. Try wearing items that you can easily remove and stash in a pocket in case you overheat.
Lower temperatures intensify the workout, so attempting to clock your fastest mile time is not advised in cold weather. Keeping a steady pace for 30 to 45 minutes is plenty; don’t overexert yourself.
Calisthenics
Calisthenics is a great way to keep in shape without having to spend money on exercise equipment since this form of workout uses your body as the resisting force.
The Benefits
- Builds strength
- Increases flexibility and dexterity
- Boosts overall balance
- Improves coordination
Some of the most widely known calisthenics exercises include push-ups, crunches, squats, and dips; however, the different varieties are seemingly infinite. A healthy mix of calisthenics exercises done frequently might just be the only type of workout you’ll ever need to keep physically fit.
Plyometrics
First used by Soviet Olympians in the 1970s, plyometrics involves using jumping and hopping movements to strengthen your muscles. This strength-training workout can be strenuous, so doing plyometrics exercises on a daily basis isn’t recommended. Plyometrics are a great way to spice up your workout when you’re getting bored of the same old routine.
Popular Plyometrics Exercises
- Squat jumps
- Tuck jumps
- Lateral jumps
- Squat thrusts
- Clap push-ups
- Box jumps
- Stairway hops
- Splits
- Long jumps
Mind and Body Fitness
A healthy mind can work synergistically with a healthy body. There are many types of exercises that help you destress while simultaneously boosting your overall physical fitness, however we’re going to focus on Yoga and meditation.
Yoga
Yoga has helped people maintain and improve their overall physical and mental health for over 5000 years. Yoga has been proven to be an effective way to reduce stress while strengthening the body. If you have internet access and a comfortable floor mat, why not give Yoga a try?
Meditation
You don’t have to be a spiritual or religiously active person to reap the benefits of meditation. With practice, meditation can fully relax the body and mind while giving you a refreshing break from the daily stresses of life. Set five minutes aside, take a deep breath, and experience the healing properties of mediation for yourself.
You don’t need a gym membership or a New Year’s resolution to start getting into shape. Summer will be here before you know it, so what are you waiting for?
