Did the holiday season treat you well with many delicious treats that have you feeling like you overindulged? Or, feeling a bit sedentary and wanting to get some activity into your day?
Physical activity during the winter months is challenging. It is cold, windy, slick and requires a lot of additional effort to go outside. Do not let these reasons decrease your physical activity, or, worse, eliminate it all together. While there are many outdoor winter sports to take part in, not everyone has the ability to enjoy these activities.
Here are some ways to stay active indoors:
1. Housework, especially vacuuming, can get your heart rate up.
2. Walk indoors – many people request to use the school after hours or, if this is not an option, what about your garage or shop?
3. Walk a set of stairs. Start out slowly by gauging your own level or ability and then build up by adding more steps or time each time you do it.
4. Put on some music and dance to a couple songs – by yourself or grab a partner if someone else is there with you.
5. Look for exercise videos or TV listings for an exercise program appropriate to your level of activity. Formal exercise programs should include a warm-up prior to exercising and a cool down/stretch afterwards. These lower your risk for injury which helps keep you motivated to continue the exercise program.
Combine any of the above activities to accumulate at least 2.5 hours of moderate level activity each week.
Finding another person to join you in the above activities will help keep you on track in continuing to be physically active and accountable to each other. Do not be shy, ask someone to join you. Chances are, they have been wanting to start something too but just needed that little nudge. Be that nudge!
Physical activity improves mood, sleep, blood pressure, blood glucose and joint pain, just to name a few. It may take a few tries but find a physical activity which you enjoy.
If you have concerns, consult your medical provider for suggestions and help identifying safe options for physical activity.
Look for upcoming physical activity classes coming soon in the new year. To learn more, contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
Follow us on Facebook @ChouteauCountyExtension to keep up to date on what is happening in Chouteau County Extension and 4-H.
Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
