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20 easy ways to stay physically active this winter
encierro/Shutterstock

20 easy ways to stay physically active this winter

You can still be active even when it's cold outside. 

 
1 of 20

Park far away

Park far away
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Parking far away from your destination is one of the oldest tricks in the book to sneak in a little more physical activity, and that doesn’t change during the winter. In fact, if it’s cold outside, you might be more motivated to move faster from your car to your destination. 

 
2 of 20

Walk around your home

Walk around your home
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On particularly cold and snowy days when you don’t want to leave your home at all, walk around inside. Listen to a podcast or turn on a playlist to keep you occupied while you walk in and out of different rooms. If you have them, put on some ankle or wrist weights for a little extra intensity. 

 
3 of 20

Walk at the mall

Walk at the mall
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If walking around your home gets monotonous, walk around a nearby mall. It might feel a little silly, but it’s a great way to get your steps in. And you’re in the perfect place to find yourself a treat when you’re finished. 

 
4 of 20

Put away one laundry item at a time

Put away one laundry item at a time
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This might drive you crazy, but it will definitely help you get your steps in. When you’re putting away laundry, fold it in a different room than where it goes and put away one item at a time. 

 
5 of 20

Set aside a home gym

Set aside a home gym
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Winter is the perfect time to set up that home gym you’ve been thinking about for all those years. It can be as simple as a corner in one room where you keep some free weights and a Pilates ball. Just get some tools to help switch up your exercise options. 

 
6 of 20

Get an exercise machine

Get an exercise machine
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Getting an exercise machine is another great way to stay active in the winter. There are tons of options, so choose something within your budget and space restraints that you’ll use and enjoy and doesn’t become a place to hang clothes. 

 
7 of 20

Get into body weight workouts

Get into body weight workouts
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Winter is a great time to try new forms of exercise that don’t rely on equipment. Yoga, Pilates, and barre are three good options that use body weight for intensity, and they can all be done at home. There are lots of free videos online to help beginners. 

 
8 of 20

Find a gym nearby

Find a gym nearby
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If a gym really is your jam, find one that’s nearby. You'll be much more inclined to go if it’s only a short distance away from your home. Bonus points if it’s in your building, and you don’t even have to go outside to access it. 

 
9 of 20

Pick an indoor-only activity

Pick an indoor-only activity
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Commit this winter to make your workout something you can only do indoors, like aerial fitness, and switch it up when spring returns. Having a workout that’s designated to a certain time of year will excite you and encourage you to make the most of it while it’s in season. 

 
10 of 20

Get cooking

Get cooking
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Cooking is an active activity. You have to stand, and you have to move around. It’s not the most intense activity, but it will at least get you onto your feet for an extended period of time. Plus, you get to eat tasty food when you’re finished. 

 
11 of 20

Be an active volunteer

Be an active volunteer
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Sign up as a volunteer for an activity that forces you to move, like moving something or walking door-to-door. You’ll be more likely to follow through on your commitment if it’s volunteer-based, and you’ll be forced to move your body if it’s activity-based. 

 
12 of 20

Walk outside

Walk outside
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There’s no reason you can’t go outside during the winter. Take necessary precautions, of course, but if you enjoy the cold, walk outside. If you hate the cold, walk outside and use the temperature as motivation to finish your walk faster. 

 
13 of 20

Get into winter sports

Get into winter sports
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If you live somewhere where it snows a lot, get into a winter sport. There are loads of winter sports that require physicality, like skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. If you don’t know how to do any of these activities, you may want to have a lesson. 

 
14 of 20

Shovel snow

Shovel snow
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Shoveling snow might seem like a silly suggestion, but anyone who’s done it before knows how physically taxing it can be, especially if there’s a lot of snow on the ground. If you want to get some movement in after a snowstorm, volunteer to shovel. 

 
15 of 20

Sign up for an exercise class

Sign up for an exercise class
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Signing up for an exercise class is always a good way to stay active, especially in the winter. Use the opportunity to discover new ways to move your body. You might find something you want to stick with even when it warms up. 

 
16 of 20

Take a dance class

Take a dance class
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Dance classes are always a treat, and they’re good ways to get active. You’ll be surprised at all the different muscles you’re working. You can take a dance class with a partner to get some social interaction or go on a date, too. 

 
17 of 20

Go bowling

Go bowling
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Depending on your level of physical activity, bowling might not be the best option for a workout, but it’s still a fun way to get your body moving. At the very least, it’ll force you to stand up and walk a little bit.

 
18 of 20

Take the stairs

Take the stairs
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Unless they’re covered in snow and ice, any time you have the option to take the stairs in the winter, take them. Climbing stairs is an underrated form of physical activity that is surprisingly intense and gets your heart rate going.  

 
19 of 20

Go shopping

Go shopping
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If you can afford it, go shopping for your workout. Shopping in person requires lots of standing and walking, both of which are good for your body. Shopping also ensures you get a reward, so it’s a win-win. 

 
20 of 20

Set alarms to stand up

Set alarms to stand up
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If nothing else, just stand up. Even on the coldest of days, when all you want is to be snuggled on your couch with a blanket and a movie, stand up. Take a quick lap around your living room. Set alarms to remind yourself to move your body. 

Acacia Deadrick

Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time. 

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