Dashing Thru The Snow Is Optional - This Rhody Mom's 8 Ways To Winterize Your Workout Routine

Eating healthy and staying in shape can be tough, especially during the cold holiday season. Don’t know about you, but I am a total baby when it comes to the cold. The second the temperature dips below 50 degrees and the leaves begin to fall, I go into hibernation mode.

Between rich foods, holiday parties, and the natural instinct to pack on the blubber, it's no surprise then that even the most disciplined people can see their waistline expand. I’d be a hypocrite if I told you that I don't indulge in some holiday binge eating myself. I’m no stranger to the secret midnight meeting with a pumpkin pie (gluten free of course) - but I am always trying to be my healthiest self. Here are some tips that help me stay fit during the winter months.

1. Exercise Early - Plans always change and the holiday schedule can get hectic. Get your workouts in early so nothing will get in the way. I like to take a 6:30 yoga or spin class to get going. It really makes me feel more awake and energized for the rest of the day.

2. Look For A Holiday Fun Run - There’s always some sort of Santa or Christmas Run that you can sign up for. Having a goal like this will keep you active, so that you’re always working toward something specific.

3. Find Winter Activities You Enjoy - ice skating, skiing, shoveling snow or climbing up the sled hill AGAIN AND AGAIN while pulling your toddler.

4. Keep Moving - Try to avoid sitting for too long. Get up every hour and walk around your office or home. I find joining Fitbit challenges really helps me. (I might be a little competitive.) I also put a treadmill in my living room and walk instead of sit when I’m winding down and watching TV.

5. Get A Membership - Sign up for a membership for whatever indoor activity you like. If you pay for it up front, you’ll be more likely to go. If you want to know where I go, my two favorite places are Providence Power Yoga and Salt Cycle.

6. Grab A Workout Buddy - If you're having a hard time making it to a class or workout, sign up with a friend. Going with a friends always keeps me motivated and accountable.

7. At Home Workouts - Sometimes bad weather can ruin our schedules. But now you can stream so many workout videos from home that there really isn’t an excuse. (Here is one workout app.)

8. Try Something New - There are always some great deals going on. Sign up for a 30-day pass somewhere new. Last winter, I tried rock climbing and found a Groupon for it!

Elizabeth Stone

More About Elizabeth

Elizabeth Stone, MBA is a Mompreneur in Rhode Island with a focus on social enterprises. She loves fitness, health, and running around with her daughters Pepper and Violet. Her latest projects include BioSci Labs, BI Medical and Pepper’s Closet.

Pepper’s Closet is a Benefit corp that’s helping spread ocean literacy and awareness through custom-crafted apparel. They also donate 10% of all net profits directly to ocean conservation, education, and cleanup efforts. Their goal is to create a movement as limitless and unstoppable as the ocean itself to help preserve and protect one of Earth’s greatest miracles.