Stay Active Indoors

Cold weather and shorter days can make staying active feel challenging. However, moving your body is important during the colder months for maintaining energy, boosting your mood, and supporting overall health. The good news is that staying active indoors doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.

Here are some creative ways to stay active when you don’t want to go outside (or when your front door is blocked with 3 ft of snow! 😊  (Though I must admit – as I am writing this today, I have shoveled twice and gone for a cross country ski, so sometimes outdoor winter fun is great too.)

Try Online Fitness Classes or Apps

From yoga and Pilates to strength training and dance workouts, fitness apps and online classes offer a wide variety of routines for all fitness levels. Many platforms provide free trials or even full workouts on YouTube. Choose what fits your style and enjoy!

Create a Mini Home Gym

You don’t need fancy equipment to create a functional workout space at home. Resistance bands, dumbbells, and a yoga mat can help you get a great workout. Designate a small corner in your home as your workout zone to make staying active easier and more motivating.

Make a Workout Notebook

When I see a great workout in a magazine or online, I create a sheet reminding me of the various exercises, then I put them in a plastic sleeve inside a binder for easy reference. Keep this by your exercise equipment and your can do an efficient workout session any time you have a few minutes.

Take Indoor Walks or Climb Stairs

When outdoor walks aren’t an option, walk indoors by pacing through your home or using a treadmill. Climbing stairs is another excellent way to get your heart rate up. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and walk laps or climb stairs for a quick cardio burst.

Try Fun, Active Games

Video game consoles with fitness games, dance challenges or interactive workouts can turn exercise into fun. It helps keep your family moving while having fun together. Once we get settled in our new home, I look forward to getting the Wii hooked back up and trying some of the great activities.

Practice Stretching and Mobility Exercises

Use winter as an opportunity to focus on flexibility and mobility. Stretching, foam rolling, and gentle yoga can relieve stiffness, improve posture, and enhance overall body function. Start your day with a 5-10 minute stretch to energize your body and mind.

Turn Housework Into a Workout

Cleaning your home can double as a workout when done with intention. Vacuuming, scrubbing floors, or even organizing your space can burn calories while keeping your living environment fresh and comfortable. Play upbeat music and turn chores into a productive, active session.

Dance It Out

Dancing is a fun and highly effective way to stay active indoors. Zumba has plenty of on line instructors. It will lift your spirits while providing a full-body workout.

Plan Workout Breaks During Screen Time

During long periods of working from home, be sure to schedule movement breaks. Every 30-60 minutes, stand up, stretch, or do a quick set of squats, lunges, or push-ups. These small breaks can add up and help counteract sedentary time.

Winter doesn’t have to slow you down. With a little creativity, you can stay active, energized, and motivated from the comfort of your home. I encourage you to stay cozy, keep moving and let’s be in the best shape of our lives in the new year!