Nothing beats summer weather. Being outside in the sun and the warmth just makes me happy inside and out. Recently though, I’ve come to appreciate more of what winter has to offer. I am learning to embrace the cold and find the fitness fun winter has to offer as well. Sharing a few of my favorite winter fitness fun activities today with the Friday Five friends.
Favorite Winter Fitness Fun
Running
Of course! I have really come to embrace and enjoy running in the winter. I would so much rather suit up and take my run outside than run on a treadmill. Even when it’s cold, I need to feel the fresh air and be outside in the sun. We don’t usually get too much snow in the DC area but when we do, it’s fun to break out the Yaktrax. It definitely helps that I can usually rope my crew into taking it outdoors all year around.
Snowshoeing
Last winter, we had a few bigger snowfalls and I tried snowshoeing. I had no idea how much fun it was and wow what a workout. I am hoping we get at least one big snow storm so I can pull these out again soon.
Hot Yoga
Nothing feels better than a hot yoga class on a chilly day. I find it to be such a fabulous way to stretch out cold muscles, relax and yes hang out with friends.
Swimming
Yes swimming! I am lucky enough to have an indoor pool at our gym and swimming in the winter time helps me get a start on the triathlon season and brush up on my strokes. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my master swim class which pushes me in way I do not do on my own.
Ice Skating
Every winter I say that I am going to take up ice skating and it never happens! We now have a few more outdoor skating rinks nearby so my goal this winter is to get there.
Short & Sweet today! Those are my favorite winter fitness and fun activities. What are your favorites? What keeps you moving in the winter time?
Linking up with
Friday Five- Fitness & Fairytales and Running on happy
Fit n Fashionable Friday-Nicole
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
I used to love going to hot yoga in the winter! However, I would walk home from the studio and it was always intense going back out into the cold after the nice warm class!
Deborah Brooks says
Well yes there is that! I try to take off the wet sweaty clothes for my trip home and that helps
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Hot yoga in the winter is the best…. until you have to leave the studio all sweaty, lol. But up to then, sign me up!
Deborah Brooks says
Well yes…I do like to change into something warm to head home in.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I think we have to make the most of every season! I’m glad you do!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes I agree!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
How much fun! I’ve always wanted to try ice skating too. When I was a kid I was convinced I would be an Olympian if my parents would just let me try it. But I lived in Florida and they spent way to much $$$ on all the dance lessons… so I got that you are crazy look from them… lol!
Deborah Brooks says
Ha ha that’s funny
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I have taken hot yoga last spring and stopped taking it during the summer. But now that it is winter I may need to give it another try.
Deborah Brooks says
I do love it in the winter but it’s hard in the summer to have so much heat
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
The only snow I’ve seen so far this winter was the tiny bit that was still on the ground when I went to visit family for Christmas. It’s so weird going a whole winter without snow! Anywhooo I’m with you on hot yoga and totally need to go ice skating!
Deborah Brooks says
I bet you are enjoying those warmer temps though!
RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) says
I used to ice skate on our river out back constantly growing up! I wish we had something close so my kids to ice skate too! You look adorable in your snowshoes! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
ha thanks! It was a lot of fun last year
Coco says
I think that’s a sign we need to do hot yoga together! I have never tried snowshoeing!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes it is a sign! Let’s plan it. Snow shoeing is quite the fun workout you would like it
Lauren @ Lauren Runs says
I’ll get behind hot yoga! I’m not a huge fan of the outdoorsy winter sports though! Just staying outside for running is enough for me!
Deborah Brooks says
I love hot yoga when it’s cold out feels so good
Kara says
I love everything about winter. I live in southern Maryland for much of the school year, but go home to Maine whenever I get the chance! I love being able to ski and go for snowy trail runs. In southern Maryland we don’t always get much snow and it never stays around long enough for me! I would definitely do more snowshoe running if I had the chance!
Deborah Brooks says
That is great that you get to have the best of both worlds by visiting Maine for some winter fun
Gingi says
I like to go snowshoeing in the winter! It doesnt FEEL like a workout, but you feel it afterwards! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Deborah Brooks says
Definitely and I was surprised by how much I liked it
Kristy from Southern In Law says
In the wintertime I am a total WIMP! It only gets to about 50 degrees F here but that’s cold enough for this Australian girl so you’ll find me inside on the treadmill or doing yoga instead of venturing out 😛
Deborah Brooks says
ha ha 50 is like the perfect running temp for me!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I have trouble getting to the pool in winter! Going back out with wet hair. And lately just finding the time.
When I lived in VT, I belonged to a gym with a pool that had these beautiful floor to ceiling windows on one side. It was so peaceful swimming and watching snow fall outside (and being warm inside).
I love ice skating. Or I used to . . . before I took up running!
Deborah Brooks says
I really like swimming in the winter but yes leaving with wet hair is not the best just wear a hoodie
Clarinda says
I want to try snowshoeing! Not sure why it appeals to me so much, but I’m so intrigued!!
Oh, and hot yoga? I haven’t done that in FOR-EV-ER! And I need, too. Winter sounds perfect for that.
Deborah Brooks says
Try snow shoeing it’s so much fun and a great workout
Rachel says
I think I need to start ice skating. I used to when I was young but now I’m scared of falling. But I really don’t like winter all that much so maybe if I had something fun to do I would dislike it less!
Deborah Brooks says
I am a little scared of hurting myself skating too but it always looks like so much fun
marcia says
I’ve always wanted to try snowshoeing but this year so far is definitely not the year since we are snow-free. I skate at least twice a week year round and hope to forever.
Deborah Brooks says
We have not had any snow yet either but I am hoping for at least a little bit so I can get out in my snow shoes
Akaleistar says
Ice skating is so much fun!
Deborah Brooks says
I have not had the chance to skate yet this year I need to get out there
Sana says
I absolutely love hot yoga!!! Sadly my fav teacher just switched studios and I have not made the drive out in a while!
Deborah Brooks says
I have not been in a few weeks need to get back there!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin says
I think I’d love Hot Yogi on a cold day with Coffee afterwards!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes the perfect combination!