Today, a year ago, you might be at the top of the slopes in Germany, Switzerland or Austria enjoying a week of snow skiing or snowboarding. Now that is not an option. Exercise alone is still important. Therefore, we give some good alternatives to still get that skiing and snowboarding feeling and keep moving at the same time.
Why is outdoor exercise healthy in winter?
Getting exercise in winter is trickier than in summer. Let alone exercising outside in the cold. Yet you can benefit extra from exercising outside in winter.
Exercising outside gives more than it costs.
The cold weather naturally makes it very tempting to stay indoors by the stove and be less active. But it causes your energy levels to drop, further reducing the motivation to exercise. Still, you need to persevere! Because it gives you more than it costs you. Exercise produces the substance endorphins in your brain. That substance, also known as happiness hormone, gives you more energy and a good feeling.
You increase your resistance with outdoor exercise.
In winter, you are naturally more likely to catch the flu. Because you spend a lot more time indoors, your resistance decreases. If you then go outside that single time, the cold will have an immediate effect on your body. By exercising outside, you build up this resistance and your resistance will get a boost.
You burn more calories if you exercise outside in winter.
Another benefit is that you burn more calories in winter. Because it is colder, your body has to work harder to warm up. This ensures that calories are burned much faster.
TIP: Make sure you have a good and long warm-up so that all your muscles are completely warmed up. This will help you avoid injuries.
What are alternatives to exercising outdoors?
Running, cycling, rollerblading and walking are obviously good ways to exercise outdoors. Here, you can decide the distance and intensity yourself and you are not dependent on others. However, it is nice to do it with someone, as this increases your motivation to go outside.
Do you still miss that snowboarding? A good alternative to snowboarding is, for example, longboarding. With longboarding, you can cover long distances and make even movements just like snowboarding. You just have to think about the snow.
Do you need guidance in (outdoor) sports? FriskFysio can help you with this.
At FriskFysio, we can help you exercise responsibly. Would you like to know more about this? Then feel free to contact us by calling 085-5000333, to email info@friskfysio.nl or fill in our contact form In.
