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Indoor Alternatives to Outdoor Workouts

When the weather is fair, as it often is at Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, outdoor exercise can be a great option. Breathing the fresh air and enjoying nature can make you feel better both physically and mentally. However, when weather takes a turn for the worse, you don’t have enough time or other obstacles prevent you from your outdoor workout, taking your workout indoors is an excellent solution. Cooper Fitness Center Professional Fitness Trainer Angela Horner explains how to adapt your workouts to stay fit during the heart of winter.

Although exercising outdoors during the cold winter months might not bother some people, when it comes to some activities such as walking or cycling, it can be hard to warm up and stay warm if the temperature is too low. Because of this, Horner notes a few tips for exercising outside:

Dress appropriately. Wear layers and cover your hands, head and feet properly (for example, you could try wearing wool socks).
Stay hydrated. Although you might not seem to be as thirsty during the winter, you still sweat and the air tends to be dryer. This calls for drinking plenty of water before and after exercise.
Be aware of temperature and wind chill. Check the temperature before going out for a jog, and pay attention to possible changes in weather during your workout. Very low temperatures can be harmful, and low wind chills can be equally dangerous.

If braving the inclement weather doesn’t sound appealing, there are plenty of ways to adjust your workout routine to maximize your fitness while indoors. Many cyclists choose to take spin classes inside and activity can take on a new feel when done indoors in a group setting, with music and an instructor. Runners often shorten their distances in the winter when faced with running on a treadmill, but they can incorporate interval training and speed into their workout instead of distance.

“If you’re used to playing a sport or activity that can’t be replicated for indoor activity, try something new during the winter, such as yoga, Pilates or a group class,” says Horner. “The most important thing is to keep moving, even when you want to hibernate!”

To make the most out of your time in the gym and to conquer boredom that can set in for those who are used to outdoor exercise, Horner offers ideas to keep you on track for your fitness goals:

Keep your workouts to 45 minutes or an hour. If you make it too hard or too long, you won’t want to do it.
Put your workout in your planner! If you don’t schedule it, it likely won’t happen.
Have accountability. Join a group exercise class or designate an exercise partner that you must meet at the gym.
Try something new. Don’t be afraid to take on a new group class, or try an exercise outside of your comfort zone.
Hire a trainer. You’ll receive expert advice on how to prepare for outdoor training in the spring, and you will be able to hone skills that might have been neglected outside of the gym.
Look into a home-based exercise program through videos or online programs.

Staying in shape during throughout the year is important, as it helps keep your weight in check and preps you for more intense outdoor activity.

For more information about professional fitness training at Cooper Fitness Center, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com/pros or call 972.233.4832.

Article provided by Cooper Aerobics Marketing and Communications.