11 weather-proof exercise tips
While it's tempting to curl up with a bowl of soup and warm socks all winter long, it's still important to keep moving! Exercise helps keeps our muscles and joints strong and reduces our risk of countless health conditions. Read on for tips to motivate you to get the exercise in, even when it's cold or rainy outside. (It makes coming home to the cosy Australian hygge all the more rewarding!)
1. Bundle up
If it's safe to be outside, protect your skin from the rain or dry air and head out. If you don’t already, invest in a good quality raincoat, gumboots (some look quite like regular shoes these days!) and umbrella.
2. Embrace the rain
Some people find that a walk or jog in the rain is a positive sensory experience, with a calming sound and smell.
3. Shopping centres
Head to your local and get walking. Join a friend to complete each other's shopping list, browse the specials or just get those steps in.
4. Video classes
There are free online videos for all fitness levels. Search for hand weights, yoga, cardio, resistance band, HIIT or other style on YouTube and you'll find options galore.
5. Use your home
Use your hallway for lunges and your staircase (or even a single stair!) for stair-climbing. Work with what you have.
6. Skipping rope
Be a kid again! Skipping is excellent cardiovascular exercise.
7. Group fitness
See if your local council or community centre has free or low-cost classes.
8. Indoor sports
Besides soccer, volleyball, squash and basketball, don’t forget alternatives like rock climbing, martial arts, 10 pin bowling, roller skating or a trip to the trampoline park.
9. Dance it out
Try online dance classes or join a class. Don’t forget to look beyond the jazz, tap and ballet to options like flamenco, Irish, Latin, hip hop, ballroom and other styles!
10. Swim indoors
Look for indoor swimming pools in your area to swim laps. Alternatively, sign up to join a water aerobics class, squad or water polo team. Depending on the climate where you live, an outdoor heated pool may also be an option!
11. Think creatively
Ask nearby public schools if their hall or undercover area is used by any local communities for sports or exercise activities. You never know ‘til you do!