Are you a Hot Weather Person? By that I mean, do you only want to work out when it's nice outside? Are you one of those people who hibernate when it comes to working out from Fall through Spring in NYC? "I'll just take a little time off from exercising" you're thinking, and before you know it, six months have gone by and you've gained 30 pounds or more from indulging while waiting for the weather to 'clear up'.
A common Fall temptation is to take time off from exercising to enjoy the comforts of a warm home and relaxation if it is cold outside. However, contrary to what many choose to believe, the colder months provide a great opportunity to achieve your fitness goals by working harder. Although outdoor exercising isn’t always ideal during the cold fall months, there are many alternatives which are just as effective. Exercising when it's colder allows you to work harder to keep your internal body heat which leads to many more calories burned as a result. Break free from fall laziness by trying these demanding, yet rewarding, indoor workouts.
1. Indoor Walking. This very simple alternative to an outdoor walk that can be done anywhere while still allowing you to set goals and work hard to achieve them.
2. Indoor Stair Climbing. This can be done in an office building or at home. Do this every chance you get. If you can't devote the time to do this as a separate exercise, take the stairs instead of using an elevator for a short workout.
3. Running on the Treadmill. Home exercise equipment doesn’t always have to be expensive, and spending time on the treadmill or other machines provides you with a challenging workout in the safety of your home (It is best to use exercise equipment in a cooler room, so as not to overheat your body.)
4. Yoga. Yoga is a great physical and mental workout, and almost always performed indoors. Try yoga at home, or sign up for classes at your local gym or yoga studio.
5. Pilates. Like yoga, Pilates is a positive energy-booster and the perfect way to stay active year-round. Although you can do Pilates at home, taking classes and/or signing up for private sessions is a much better alternative because you will have a certified instructor there to make sure you are doing the exercises safely.
6. Swimming. Indoor pools provide a great workout environment and sessions are often free with a gym membership (depending on your location). If swimming doesn’t interest you, try water aerobics as an alternative.
7. Participate in household activities. Simple tasks, like sweeping the floor or decorating your home, provide a way to stay active within your home while doing something productive.
