How to Stay Active During the Wintertime
Physical activity is recommended for everyone, including weight loss surgery patients. It’s helpful not only for losing or maintaining weight but for feeling your best. Winter has set in, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your active lifestyle on hold. Here are the top ways to stay active during the wintertime.
Bring Your Workout Indoors With Apps 
When the weather is cold outside, it’s easier to convince yourself to work out from the comfort of your own home. Not everyone has the space or money for a home gym, but don’t sweat it, as there are plenty of apps available. Consider downloading FitOn, Nike Training Club, Sworkit, stepbet, and others for iOS or Android. Of course, choose one that fits your budget and goals. Luckily, some are free and dedicated to a specific type of workout. For an easy workout routine that you can do from the comfort of home, watch the replay of ProCare Health’s live event Short Effective Workout With Modifications.
Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder With Restorative Activities
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that starts in the fall, continues throughout winter, and typically resolves in the spring. Compared to other activities, restorative activities are more gentle on the body and can help you relax. Go into a meditative state of mind with yoga, tai chi, and qigong, all while increasing your flexibility and building your strength.
Move Around the House
While you may not think of chores as a form of exercise, they do get your heart rate up, providing a way for you to be physically active indoors. Mop the floors, shovel the snow, do squats while folding laundry, and go up and down the stairs. You’ll gain health benefits while crossing some items off your to-do list. Even when you’re watching TV, you could take a lap around the house during the commercial break or use hand weights or resistance bands.
Tackle Traditional Outdoor Activities
At the same time, it can get tiring staying indoors. After all, the days are shorter, and you can make the most of the daylight available. Take a stroll through the neighborhood park, for instance, to get in some light cardio. Or, take a more traditional route with ice skating or ice hockey, sports that burn more calories and can be enjoyed with friends. Be sure to wear layers of comfortable clothing so that, as you become warmer, items can easily be removed.
Join Your Local Recreation Center or Gym
Most towns have a recreation center, making it the place for people to go and participate in activities with others. There are a variety of classes to join. Sign up and play basketball, volleyball, and badminton, and race each other on the indoor track or in laps across the swimming pool. In the same way, gyms have group fitness classes that you can join and machines, like treadmills, stair-climbers, and exercise bikes, that you can use.
Explore the City
Open up your map app and see what your city has to offer. Consider taking a long walk around the mall for an easy way to get your body moving. Plus, roller rinks, bowling alleys, rock climbing centers, and trampoline parks could be a short distance away. These are fun for the whole family.
Volunteer in Your Community
You can even help others as you help your body stay active. Look for volunteer opportunities that have a physical element. Spend time at a soup kitchen or collect donations for a local food bank, for instance. There are many nonprofit organization websites online, and you can find one whose mission and volunteer efforts speak to you best.
Stay Hydrated and Incorporate Bariatric Multivitamins
Now that you’ve selected an activity, or two or three, don’t forget to stay hydrated and set a goal to drink 64 fluid ounces a day post-surgery. Also, incorporate bariatric multivitamins from ProCare Health. Our products, developed by bariatric doctors and dieticians, provide an affordable solution to giving your body the nutrients it needs. To learn more about what ProCare Health has to offer, contact us today!
