Winter can be a drag for many reasons. One of those reasons is that it seems much more difficult to workout. In the summer there are a wide array of outdoor activities to participate in. The other problem with the winter is it is generally cold making your bed seem like a much better idea than getting out of it and working out. Here are some ideas for working out while staying indoors this winter.
1) Jumping Rope: While this idea might seem like child’s play, jumping rope actually burns quite a few calories. For a 140 lb person, jumping rope for 15 minutes burns an average of 160 calories.
2) Pilates: Pilates has been known to lengthen your muscles making them stronger and looking leaner. You can do this at a class or using a video in your own home.
3) Yoga: What better way to beat the winter cold than to take a hot yoga class! If you are not up for leaving your house, then grab a yoga video. There are quite a variety of yoga videos meant for different people so you can really customize. From gentle yoga to pre-natal or power yoga there is sure to be a yoga you will enjoy.
4) Wii Fit: This game is quite a bit of fun and better yet it gets you off of your couch. While this might not be as much of a workout as some of the others it has been known to help people lose weight if used enough.
5) Dance Dance can be done using a video at home or taking a class. If you prefer staying home, cardio dance videos are a great way to burn calories and rid yourself of unwanted fat. If you prefer a class anything from ballet to ballroom dancing to latin dance. Whatever you choice dance is a fun option.
6) Kettlebells: A unique way to get in shape. This hot exercise is not new but is increasing in popularity. It is a combination of strength training and cardio by using a weight similar to a cowbell shape and performing various exercises. I would recommend starting out with the GO Fit Kettlebell and DVD to get yourself started. This can be purchased at Target.
Whatever you do however DO NOT overestimate your strength. Start off small. This workout is difficult and even if you can lift more start with less weight than your normally would.
7) Stability Ball Exercises: While using a stability ball is not always easy, once you get the hang of it the stability ball becomes quite rewarding. Your body works harder as it trains making this a great and effective workout. There are many great DVD’s out there. Fitness Magazine has a great reference to the best http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/gear/equipment/stability-balls/?page=10
8) Free Weights: Always a staple. Most fitness magazines have tear out cards so that you can do these in any room of the house with or without a television.
9) Plyometrics Plyometrics are performed daily in practices by world class athletes all over the world. The great thing about plyometric activity is that it uses nothing except your own body. Explosive movements followed by short stints of rest make this type of exercise confuse the muscles making your workout exceptionally effective. There are many types of plyometrics some geared toward a particular sport. For a quick reference see http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometric.html
10) Shadow Boxing: Boxing is a fantastic workout that involves a ton of cardio. Why not shadowbox? So you don’t have a ring at home or an opponent boxing can still be achieved. If you really feel funny start out doing Wii Boxing and then let go of the Wii and use real boxing gloves.
Whatever your indoor winter workout choice, do not let the cold air stop you from staying healthy. If anything in the winter months your body needs a strong and healthy immune system and that comes from eating healthy and exercising regularly.
http://www.dietbites.com/Pyramid-Diet/calories-burned-jumping-rope.html
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/183-3040552-1529107?ASIN=B000XLZOGQ&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000XLZOGQ|GoFit_Kettlebell_with_Core_DVD_Yellow_10_lb.&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000XLZOGQ&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
