8 winter activities to help you stay in shape

Canada’s hardy fitness enthusiasts don’t let a little cold and snow stop them from getting in their daily workouts. Here are eight blood-pumping winter activities to help you stay active and get in shape this cold-weather season.

[Photo Credit: pololia]

If you live in an area with lots of deep, powdery snow, snowshoeing is a great way to get fit. Strap-on snowshoes are designed to help you traverse atop hard-packed snow and explore scenic areas that are inaccessible with regular hiking boots. Whether you’re up for a heart-pumping trek across challenging landscape or a scenic stroll on a groomed trail, snowshoeing is a winter activity that can be modified for all skill levels.

Ice skating is a beloved pastime in Canada that offers a number of health benefits for those who want to stay in shape during the winter. While it definitely takes some skill and coordination, skating works nearly every muscle group in your body – especially your legs and glutes – and can help improve your balance and cardiovascular health. And since ice skating is a low-impact sport, it’s easy on your joints.

You don’t have to go to the gym to stay in shape this winter; you can work up a serious sweat with an at-home HIIT workout even if you don’t have any fitness equipment. Develop a routine that includes strength-training bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges mixed with cardio intervals (burpees, jumping jacks) and core-focused movements. For help with motivation, sign up for an online workout class and follow along to a virtual instructor over video.

Even in cold weather, getting outdoors for a hike in the fresh air is one of the best ways to stay active during winter. Many local hiking trails, provincial parks, and conservation areas remain open for hiking throughout the winter with well-maintained walkways. If you’re planning a winter hike, dress in layers and be sure to wear proper footwear to avoid slipping on icy terrain.

If you want to stay active this winter, try cross-country skiing. While the scenic sport might look easier than downhill skiing, gliding across flat, snowy trails using your own strength to build momentum is a serious aerobic workout.

When it’s too cold to exercise outdoors, a stationary bike is a cardio-focused winter activity that will get your blood pumping in the comfort of your own home. There are a number of high-tech exercise bikes available on the market now, and many models feature a built-in screen display so riders can take part in interactive live and on-demand cycling classes.

Winter running can be exhilarating and great for your physical and mental health, as long as you wear the right gear. Dress in warm, sweat-wicking layers to maintain your body heat, a wind-resistant outer jacket, running gloves, and a hat to keep your head warm. If conditions are sub-zero, purchase traction cleats or spikes to wear on top of your regular running shoes to help improve your grip on ice.

Snow shovelling isn’t just a necessary winter chore, it’s also a great upper and lower-body workout. While it might not be one of your favourite winter activities, an hour of pushing and lifting heavy snow from your driveway and sidewalks can burn up to 500 calories. To avoid injury, be sure to keep your abdominal muscles and legs engaged and don’t arch or twist your back when shovelling.