6 Ways to Stay Fit All Winter Long in Wauwatosa
This time of year, it can be so difficult to maintain healthy habits. With the lack of sunlight, freezing temperatures, and constant snow, ice, and wind, sometimes just getting out of bed and off to work can feel like a major accomplishment.
We all know that exercise, eating right, getting enough sleep, and practicing other healthy habits helps us feel better no matter what season it is. That being said, it can seem much easier to fit in exercise when the sun is shining and you can head out for a walk or jog and eat healthy when the weekly Wauwatosa farmers market is in season.
But there are ways to make staying healthy fun and easy during this dark and cold time of year! Here are six of our favorite tips:
- Don’t wait for spring to spring clean. Anything that makes you get up and move around is good for your health. While going for a jog or taking an exercise class may be the type of healthy movement that immediately comes to mind, don’t discount a good hour or so of housework! Cleaning and organizing your home is a great way to use your muscles, maintain flexibility, and even work up a sweat. So go ahead and tackle that closet (or basement…or garage) clean-out what you’ve been putting off…it will pay off in more ways than one.
- Build up your home gym. Going to and from work when it’s still dark outside can make it extra difficult to motivate yourself to make an extra stop at the gym. Removing barriers like getting up and out of the house extra early will make you more likely to get in the workout. So, use this as your excuse to invest in those kettlebells you’ve been eyeing, or to pick up a new yoga mat. YouTube has tons of free workout videos you can do from the comfort and warmth of your own home. Just put on your tennis shoes, grab a bottle of water, and get moving.
- Try new fitness classes around Wauwatosa. Mixing up your workout routine not only makes staying active more fun but can also amp up your calorie burn by challenging you in new ways. Wauwatosa is a great place to live if you love a good fitness class. Try OrangeTheory, a one-hour, total body guided workout that will leave you seriously sweating. Or give your legs and lungs a workout at PowerCycle. Get Hot Yoga not only offers a good workout but is a fun way to warm up during these cold months. No matter your workout style, Wauwatosa has a fabulous fitness class you’ll love!
- Take an active vacation. While we all love Wisconsin, winter is a great time to travel somewhere warm. When planning your vacations for the year, consider making fitness part of the fun. Renting bikes is a great way to check out a new city, while taking a surfing class or snorkeling lesson can give you a whole new appreciation for the ocean. Hiking is another favorite way to get out and enjoy nature and new surroundings. Whatever your vacation style, adding fun fitness will certainly help you make lasting memories.
- Don’t neglect sleep and nutrition. It’s a truth universally acknowledged, that getting back into the swing of healthy eating after the holidays is TOUGH. Time off of work can also throw you off your normal sleep schedule. Both of these changes to our normal routine can leave us feeling lethargic, cloudy, and downright dull. Be gentle on yourself, but work your way back to healthy habits as soon as you can. Try going to bed at the same time each night and planning for at least 7 hours of sleep. Work a fruit and vegetable into every meal and replace dessert with fruit once a week. Small changes lead to big health gains over time, and it’s never too late to start fresh.
- Add chiropractic to your health routine. Extended time spent snuggled under a blanket on the couch is wonderful in many ways, but your body may feel some adverse effects. A visit with a chiropractor can help you understand why you may be feeling aches and pains and can put you on the path to a healthier, more mobile, pain-free life.
At Kennedy Chiropractic of Wauwatosa, we provide clients in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, and surrounding communities with personalized, expert care to help you feel your very best. Give us a call to get started today.
