Fitness Focused: How to Get & Keep Fit This Winter

Be proudly Canadian. If you aren’t passing the Olympic Torch across Canada or Going for Gold, why not crank your fitness levels up a notch and try something new? Let the games begin.

How to Get & Keep Fit This Winter?

Boot Camp. Step it up a notch with a boot camp for those who want to take their fitness to the next level.One of the latest ways of working hard with a trained instructor and in a smaller group of participants. Camp combines strength, flexibility and balance with added challenge of cardio.

CycleFit. A high-intensity program that promotes cardiovascular endurance and strength development being offered at most fitness centres. A great way to keep your cycling hobby endurance on track over the winter season. Attendance at a Begin to Cycle class would be recommended before trying one of these.

Put a lid on it! Protect your head and wear a helmet. Today’s helmets are lighter and keep you a little warmer than they used to. In addition to being a critical piece of safety gear, they’ve also evolved into a must-have piece on the hill. With new styles, patterns and technology, boarders and skiers today rarely leave home without their lid.

Ski Warmer. Take the stress out of skiing with Happy Feet. The hottest trend to spill over from the World Cup is heated gear bags. Gear arrives ready to go at the slopes. Starting the day with warm boots helps keep them warm the whole day and you a much happier skier. Visit www.hotgearbag.com to learn more.

Snowshoeing. Easy to use and eco-friendly. Snowshoes are far lighter, manageable and high-tech, than they used to be so you can explore new regions with new-found freedom. Check out a local second hand sporting goods store or any outdoor store that sells sporting equipment. Call ahead to ensure their staff has been trained and have hands on experience with snowshoeing.

For a snowshoe friendly trip, visit Snowshoeing 101 to learn what you need to take along.

Start a walking club. Ask your friends and neighbours if they are interested in going for a walk once or twice a week. Make it fun and friendly by adding the social aspect to it and enjoy a hot beverage afterwards. It could become your new hobby.

Stay on top of the snow. When the snow starts falling, and as soon as you realize that those first few inches are staying in your driveway, get outside and shovel them before the stress of seeing too much snow gets to you and your back. Like any other sport, warm up first by stretching your body and arms.

Train in the off season. The September issue of Golf Canada provides exercise guidelines on how you can build the base in the seven areas that are key for golf during the winter months. To enhance your game all year round, click here.

Use the stairs. Wherever you are, make sure you use the stairs instead of an escalator or elevator. Within a few weeks, you will notice a difference in your energy level and the stress relief benefits it gives you.

Work with a personal trainer. Whether it be from your own home, 1 on 1 three times a week at your local fitness club or simply to set you up with a program you can do on your own, they will work with you to set a goal to meet your stress relief fitness busters and help you to have more fun and more stress-free days.

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