Running outside in 30 degree weather sounds absolutely horrific when you could be under your warm blanket instead. But we all need to stay active during the winter months so that we don't fall out of our routine. Business Insider offers some helpful motivation to keep you active during the December – February stretch:
Start as soon as you can, especially since December's weather isn't that bad. "It’s important now, because the bad months are January and February."
Accountability matters — make plans with a friend: "I used to meet a buddy of mine at 4:30 [in the morning] in Central Park," says Honerkamp. "I knew she would be there waiting for me." It's a lot harder to skip a run if you have a partner you're leaving out in the cold.
Ice is a no-no, since a slip can result in broken bones that can keep you sidelined for a long time. "If it's icy out, do an indoor workout or a treadmill run", says Honerkamp.
These were the tips I found most helpful, especially because I know that if I don't start running in December, there's no way I'll be going outside when it's even colder. Going to the gym is definitely a great alternative to avoid the low temperatures. How do you guys stay active in the cold weather?
mm
Crampons look really intense! I've run in pretty cold weather before, but never when it was snowing
I used crampon/snowshoe combo's this winter to go hiking through the woods,those things really work well.
New York:
http://www.mphc.com/
If you have an employer in midtown, the cost is something like $80/month, and it includes a pool and climbing wall.
Chicago:
Dude, most condo buildings have an indoor pool and fitness center. This isn't some third world country... err, NYC.
Indoor pools and fitness are definitely a great option, but an outdoor workout is unique in itself.
An outdoor workout is very unique and trendy. In fact so trendy the Amish have been doing it for centuries. It's so hip.
Isn't the outdoor workout walking or jogging to the fitness center or walking to work?
Doesn't everybody do that? Or do you take a cab?
That cab ride is like $10 round trip, or ~ $2500/year if you exercise 5x/week. If you're 22, that $2500 could turn into $100K at retirement. So... why spend money to avoid exercise?
Do you really need all kinds of fancy schmancy outdoor workout gear to do what every New Yorker and every Chicagoan does during the winter?
Back to my rusty honda.
East Bank Club in Chicago is best (also busiest) in the winter. It's basically an indoor country club.
No clue.
It was 75 degrees yesterday and I spent it in my heated rooftop pool.
You are one lucky person.
Not really, I live in Louisiana if that's any consolation.
I really love running outside when it's cold, especially when there is snow. Running through a snowstorm is a unique feeling that I would recommend to adventurous runners. Of course, this is much easier in the countryside.
For icy conditions, Yaktrax work well as you can still run with them in contrast to real crampons.
I absolutely hate doing it, but I typically run on the treadmill during those cold months. I also try and mix it up with sports like indoor soccer, basketball and weight lifting. My former roommate used to run outside, and was covered head to toe with warm clothing, but I was never brave enough to run outside in
"Going to the gym is definitely a great alternative to avoid the low temperatures."
lol did you really need to point that out?
Go to the gym instead of posting bullshit click bait business insider links.
Can we ban BI on WSO please?
Everybody knows indoor cardio is boring AF. I do intervals/sprints. So maybe 10 mins treadmill. Alternate 1 min run, 1 min sprint for 10 total mins. Then hit the stair stepper or bike and repeat. Then maybe go back to the treadmill or hit another machine. Still get in 25-30mins of cardio without boring myself to death.
get a couple pieces of quality gear and you should be fine to run a few outside down to zero degrees. 30 is pretty warm for the winter and you should only need some tights, long sleeve, hat and gloves. sure the first minute sucks but then you should be fine. then crush some core at your place after. i guess i am used to it since i grew up in a city that got crapped on by snow every year and ran in crazy weather all throughout college.
Why burn muscle when you could be building it? Go to the gym.
Agreed. I'm certainly not an expert, but from what I've read distance cardio is a muscle destroyer. Lifting and sprinting (or forms of HIIT) are what we should be doing, not discussing how to dress for distance running in a NYC winter.
100% correct VT. Also, as a lurker here for 5+ years, just wanted to say I've always enjoyed your posts :-)
Best shape I've ever been in (and best 5k time actually) was when I ditched running and did HIIT and added cardio between lifting sets (kettle bell swings etc). Seriously if someone can't get outside or to a gym buy a freaking 30lb dumbbell or kettle bell and get creative.
I spend my winters playing pick-up basketball. If you find a good gym or church league with good regulars you can do it 3x week pretty consistently. A full court basketball game will add some good miles to your weekly running total if you are making an effort and not walking up and down the court, etc.
5 habits of staying active during winter, #4 will shock you.
Having a workout buddy is by far the best. Nothing gets your lazy ass out of bed faster than water thrown in your face by her and her damn yoga pants.
Are gyms a hot commodity in NYC and other major cities where a lot of users live? My routine really won't change at all in the winter, still going to the gym.
Running/jogging, while better than nothing, gets a little but too much credit as being a wonder exercise. HIIT on a bike or sprinting/walking is probably going to be better and more efficient. That being said, if you love running, go for it.
Deadlift until spring
Pull-up bar in the doorway, then just run up and down the stairs of the mid/high-rise. Also carry a fire extinguisher if you want people to get out of your way.
join mens league basketball, ride the bike / treadmill in the gym, chopping wood, run a local school track if dress appropriate, any weight lifting generally will be inside, and where not inside, weather isnt issue. good luck!
Skiing/snowboarding is a fantastic workout.
Lay a lot of pipe.
Bikram/baptiste yoga. Sweats out the hangover and you get to look at hot people in spandex for an hour.
I wake up at 515 every day and run from 530 to 7 regardless of the weather, I've run in -10 degree weather, I've run in 95 degree weather.
lots and lots of sex
I have turned into a fossil over the past year, but walking 2-3 km a day to work and random 15-30 minute exercises (stretching, shadow boxing, push ups, sling training), seem to preserve whatever is left from good ol' beastmode days.
I would discontinue any running as it's bad for your joints. I would replace your exercise regime entirely with a shitload of stimulants. Meth and cocaine usage will preserve your joints and produce weight moderating effects that you desire. Also, your productivity will increase tremendously due to no longer being hampered with that pesky need to sleep.
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