If you are one of the thousands of people affected by the latest winter storm, you're probably snowed in for a few days. Schools, gyms, and stores are closed. So rather than sit inside watching all the incredibly fit Olympians play in the snow, take yourself outside and play in your own snow!
My very favorite kind of exercise is the kind that doesn't feel like exercise at all. It's just play, really! But trust me, it will get your heart rate up and you will feel it tomorrow!
Sledding
Sledding is great exercise fun. Surprisingly, its not the thrill ride down the hill that gets your heart pounding as much as the hike back up the hill carrying the sled. Add in the extra 5 to 10 pounds of clothes your wearing to stay warm and dry and its really a weight bearing cardio workout! Plus, trying new sled positions challenges muscles you didn't know you had.
Step it Up
I love snow in the south. Here in North Carolina, it snowed for almost 24 hrs straight and then it was up to 40 degrees the next day. Of course if it were 12 degrees we wouldn't be enjoying the great outdoors this long, but today it was perfect for hours of fun in the snow. When playing for fitness, endurance is the key. Keep moving to stay warm and also to get your heart rate up. Continuous motion gets your heart rate up, helping rev up your metabolism, burn fat, and build muscle. Having fun playing outdoors makes it not feel so much like a WORKout (until the next day).
My very favorite kind of exercise is the kind that doesn't feel like exercise at all. It's just play, really! But trust me, it will get your heart rate up and you will feel it tomorrow!
Sledding
Sledding is great exercise fun. Surprisingly, its not the thrill ride down the hill that gets your heart pounding as much as the hike back up the hill carrying the sled. Add in the extra 5 to 10 pounds of clothes your wearing to stay warm and dry and its really a weight bearing cardio workout! Plus, trying new sled positions challenges muscles you didn't know you had.
Snow Building
Snow building is great fun and also muscle building. Snow is heavy so whatever you're building in the snow, be mindful of your posture to ensure your safety. Keep soft knees as you lean down to roll the snow, and always bend your knees and keep your back straight when you lift heavy snow.
Step it Up
I love snow in the south. Here in North Carolina, it snowed for almost 24 hrs straight and then it was up to 40 degrees the next day. Of course if it were 12 degrees we wouldn't be enjoying the great outdoors this long, but today it was perfect for hours of fun in the snow. When playing for fitness, endurance is the key. Keep moving to stay warm and also to get your heart rate up. Continuous motion gets your heart rate up, helping rev up your metabolism, burn fat, and build muscle. Having fun playing outdoors makes it not feel so much like a WORKout (until the next day).
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