🎁 StrongWithDana's Holiday Survival Guide: Winter Workout Tips
🎉 Happy Friday, Friends!
Welcome back to my ✨ Holiday Survival Guide, where I share tips and tricks to survive the holiday season. Last week was our introduction with some sneaky ways to get “me” time during the most social-obligation-having time of the year. This week? I’m sharing quick ways you can stop winter from derailing your movement practice.
Let’s get right into it.
Remember: you don’t HAVE to do the hardest, most Winter Olympics-type workout. Let a shorter or later workout count.
❄️ Base layers go a long way. Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for anything touching your skin (tops, bottoms, socks, accessories). Cotton traps moisture and will make you cold.
🌬️ Know your body’s cold response. Do you sweat easily? Do you heat up quickly or run cold? Do your ears, nose, fingers, and toes react immediately when the temperature drops, or can you keep them toasty for a longer period of time in the right gear? All of these factors will impact your movement practice in the cold.
☃️ Plan a longer outdoor workout by building in “stops.” Going for a walk with a friend? Plan to stop at a coffee shop and a thrift store. Checking out a forest preserve or park? Chart out nearby restaurants or bookstores for after. Have something in place for if you’re too cold to walk back the same way. This could be taking public transit, going for a walk that takes you near where you’re parked, or clicking your heels three times and asking the snow fairies to teleport you somewhere warmer. 😉
🧤 Keep small comforts on hand. Tissues or gloves with a soft thumb patch for runny noses, plus lip balm and a water bottle can go a long way. Consider a thermos with a hot drink!
Remember: You don’t have to love the cold OR move in it, but with some smart planning and realistic expectations, winter workouts can be surprisingly enjoyable. Even if the best part is coming home to your cat.
With you as we THRIVE (and survive),
Dana