Between decreasing daylight, dropping temperatures, and confinement indoors, the winter months can have a huge impact on our mental and physical health. If that wasn’t bad enough, cold weather also tightens the tissue around the spine, worsening back pain. Exercise is a fantastic way to not only improve spine health but also beat the cold-weather blues. It’s difficult during the winter, both to motivate ourselves and to find activities we can do with the seasonal limitations, so here are some tips to help you stay active.
Stretch First
It’s hard to convince yourself to get up and move when your muscles feel cold or you’re toasty-warm under a blanket. Stretching helps warm your muscles, preparing them for more intense physical activity and getting you in the right headspace to exercise. It also improves flexibility and helps prevent injury.
Start Small
In winter, sometimes even the thought of starting an exercise is enough to put us off entirely, but as we know, an object at rest stays at rest. Promise yourself to small, attainable goals: a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood or workout on a cardio machine, if you have one. After those 20 minutes, you might find it easier to convince yourself to keep working out—an object in motion stays in motion!
Get Outside
Being outside during the winter isn’t always so bad. Stretch, bundle up, and go for a walk in the crisp, cold air. It’s a great way to get Vitamin D, clear your head, and improve concentration, especially if you’re working from home.
Shoveling snow is also great exercise, provided you don’t have any heart complications and you’re using the proper techniques to prevent injuring your back.
Join a Workout Class
With the COVID-19 pandemic, many gyms have started offering online workout classes you can do from the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, there is no shortage of online resources for workout routines and inspiration.
Work Out While Watching TV
Can’t pull yourself away from your favorite show? Plan a routine around exercises you can do while watching TV, or use commercial breaks as an excuse for a quick circuit. It’s a great time to do sit-ups, crunches, or planks—plus, working your abs can help prevent back injuries.
Look for Little Opportunities
There are small chances to boost your heartrate sprinkled throughout every day. Take the stairs to your workplace or apartment, walk your dog, or help the kids build a snowman. Organize a family walk, or, if it isn’t bitterly cold, park a little further away while you do your errands.
Winter exercise is important for maintaining a healthy spine. As you work out, the tissue around your spine is stretched and strengthened, improving your mobility and reducing your chance of injury. If you’re currently struggling with spine or back pain, contact Crossroads Chiropractic for an appointment.
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