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There are plenty of ways to be active in fall and winter, even if
the weather turns cold. You can stay in shape and have fun while you're at it.
Here are some ideas:
Indoors
- Go for walks at the mall with a friend. Local schools and
churches may have indoor gyms where you can walk. You may want to buy a
pedometer from a sporting goods store. You can use it to count your steps. This
will help motivate you to walk more.
- Get some hand weights or stretch bands to use at home for
resistance exercise. You can get fit while you watch your favorite TV show or
listen to music. Try doing a little more each week. Use cans of food if you
don't want to buy weights.
- Buy or rent an
exercise DVD, or borrow one at the library. If you have an MP3 player, you can
download audio routines from the Internet. This can be a fun way to stay in
shape at home.
- Take the stairs and fit in walk breaks whenever you can. This
will give you extra activity, even on a busy day.
- Do active
housework like sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, doing laundry, or washing the
windows. You can stay active while you keep your home looking good.
- Join
a gym or health club. You can use machines like treadmills, stair-climbers, or
exercise bikes. Try a fitness class or a new indoor activity, like dancing or
water aerobics. Many cities have community centers that offer affordable
fitness classes.
- Get involved
in sports leagues in your community or at work. Many cities offer indoor sports
like basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, or swimming.
Outdoors
- Rake leaves or do other yard work.
- Bundle up, and take the dog for a walk. This can help you make
walks part of your daily routine.
- Shovel snow. This can be great winter exercise. But if you have
heart problems or other health concerns, be sure to ask your doctor if
shoveling snow is okay. Overdoing it can put dangerous strain on your body.
- Try a new winter activity like skating, cross-country skiing,
or snowshoeing. When you do outdoor activities in less populated areas, be sure
to plan ahead. Let people know where you will be, and take the right gear for
the conditions.
Dress for cold weather