Stay active this winter by turning everyday tasks into exercise
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EmailIntroduce small changes to your daily routine to stay physically active even when it gets too cold outside.
As the snow falls and the temperature drops it can get harder and harder to get outside and stay active. We tend to hibernate during the winter months, wanting to stay indoors and cuddle up on the couch. Michigan State University Extension recommends turning some of your everyday tasks into physical activities with the following tips:
- Build your leg muscles every time you fold a piece of laundry or put a dish away by doing a squat or sitting down in a chair and standing up.
- Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring, liven things up by playing some upbeat music and dance while you clean. Before you know it, you will be working up a sweat.
- Putting away your groceries can be a great opportunity to strengthen your arms and back. Lift each lighter item above your head before putting it away.
- Shopping is a great opportunity to go for a walk, try taking a few extra laps around the inside of the store while browsing.
Keep your blood pumping with these four activities this winter to help with the cold. Remember the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines emphasize the need to get at least two hours and 30 minutes of physical activity each week, that’s only 22 minutes each day.
Stay safe, stay warm and stay healthy!
For more information on physical activity please visit MSU Extension or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
