WINTER WARM-UP | Move

When you wake up before dark, it's raining, it's cold, and your bed is so cozy you want to stay there all day, it is easiest to hit the snooze button and snuggle in. What you really should do is GET UP! GET OUT! GET MOVING!

We do know that the winter chill can be extremely unmotivating to getting outside. We're not saying it has to be first thing in the morning, everyone's schedules are different. Who wants to brave the frozen trails and icy rain when we could be inside with a cup of tea? We can't let it keep us down though. Our muscles need to be challenged all year round. Weather be damned, there are all kinds of ways we can get the blood flowing!

• Hiking: Grab a buddy and get out on those trails. The woods are transformed this time of year into the true rain forests that they are. Appreciate the dripping needles and foggy views that make us appreciate the warm summer months all the more. Do watch out for soggy moss and slippery rocks!

• Biking: As long as you are wary of dim twilights and slick asphalt, biking can be a year round sport. Wether you are on the roads or on the trails, two wheels can take you a long way without jarring your joints and working up an appetite. 

• Spin: All the benefits of biking in a warm, dry space. Plus, the added benefit of an instructor keeping you accountable and turning up your resistance. The camaraderie of a class based workout will push you to leave it all on the seat.

• Boot Camp: For some people the pumping music and group sweat vibe can be too much. If it is your jam, it is a great way to get a full body workout that ups your heart rate. If you've never been, drop into a class and see if it's you're thing. You never know, you might love it!

• Yoga: At a studio or in your living room with an instructor on YouTube to guide you, lengthening your muscles and grounding your mind has so many benefits. You will probably challenge all kinds of areas that you don't activate in your every day life, offering you overall strength and flexibility. 

• Weights: Strength training isn't always as easy as just picking up something heavy and putting it down again. It is however, extremely important for our bodies. If you are new to it, invest in a few sessions with a personal trainer, or at least do your research to avoid injury. 

• Running: Good old fashioned one foot in front of the other. Mix it up between early road runs to catch some of the morning light, and weekend trail excursions. Despite the great cardiovascular workout, constant pounding of the pavement can be tough on your knees and ankles, so make sure you have good footwear and jump to cusheony chip trails when possible.

Whatever it is that keeps you moving, you need only to set aside 30-60 minutes a day at the least. Don't let the winter freeze you in place! Healthy bodies mean happy minds.