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It can be tempting to let fitness and health goals slide in the winter. If you want to keep your fitness momentum going, it’s important to avoid emulating the hibernating bear population! With a plan and a dedicated mindset, you can stay on track with your fitness goals even during Indiana’s coldest months.  

Tips to stay active and healthy during winter

Don’t put your health on the back burner. Exercise some good judgement and follow these tips this winter. 

Create a plan and be consistent

A goal without a plan is more like a wish. Establishing solid, attainable goals will help you create a plan of attack. This plan should become the routine you stick to, even in the winter months.  

The Mayo Clinic is full of great advice for a personalized fitness program, from measuring your current fitness level to adjusting your plan as time goes on. They provide expert guidance on crafting goals, building a balanced routine and how to ease your body into a new workout program.  

Be weather aware when exercising outdoors

Exercising outdoors in the winter is a whole different ballgame compared to summer sessions. Here in Indiana, there are plenty of opportunities for a winter walk, jog or nature hike. Indiana is also home to some great ice-skating rinks, ski slopes and snow tubing venues.  

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers solid advice for anyone who is considering outdoor workouts. You’ll want to make sure you warm up properly, check the forecast and know the signs of hypothermia. Other practical tips include dressing properly and making sure your phone is charged before you start your outdoor activity. Visit the NIA website for more information on outdoor exercise safety!  

Move things indoors

When in doubt, don’t go out! Whether you don’t have outdoor options or simply feel like you can’t stand the cold, finding an indoor option may be the way to go. Find a local gym or community center that offers equipment and guidance. If you go to the mall in the winter, you may see folks using the large indoor space to get a brisk walk in.  

You don’t really have to leave the house! And no, you don’t need to invest in a fancy home gym either. Healthline put together a great guide that can help you with strength training from the comfort of your own home with little or no equipment needed. 
 

 
Track with an app 

Tracking your progress can help you stick to your plan and give you insights that may help you adjust it as needed. Take advantage of modern technology during your fitness journey. Good Housekeeping researched a variety of apps on the market and created a list of some of the best fitness apps available. These apps offer a variety of benefits like customized workout plans, access to trainers, nutrition programs and more!  

Don’t neglect your mental health

A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body! Check out our blog with tips for improving your mental health during winter. You can also check out our recent blog on fun indoor activities in Indiana if you start feeling cooped up at home. 

Don’t let fitness goals go by the wayside as the temperature drops. Keep moving this winter!  

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