Still the Season for Winter Walking 🎶

My previous article was about embracing the winter and getting out after a fresh snowfall and using the fresh powder, terrain and inclines to up your cardio game. What to do when the weather turns to spring-like conditions and snow is heavy and melting?

Change your tactic — don’t give up!

There’s no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothing - or gear! Might I suggest you secure your footwork with a set of snowshoes and maybe even a pair of Urban Walking Poles? The last week or so have been messy as the snow melts, creates slush and then yes…freezes again. This can be dangerous with regard to “slippage and trippage” as you hit bumps and slush spikes. Take your calorie-burning game to a trail, park or open field where the snow is still compact and plentiful. The snowshoes will prevent your foot from slipping or sinking knee-deep into the sposh. We still have some winter left in 2025 and with temperatures soaring one day and below freezing the next we need a good game plan!

If you’re not shy about adding poles get yourselves a good set so you can include upper body muscle toning to increase your heart rate further. It’s a time saver! Urban Poles with a side wing on the handle allows you to apply gentle downward pressure on the pole as you walk igniting both the lats and abdominals. Any version of poles add security if there is concern about slips and falls.

My husband is normally a “duck walker” so he moans about his side hip muscles aching when snowshoeing because he needs to walk in a straighter line, so I don’t give him too much grief about not adding poles to his snowshoeing. An incline or 2 will increase your heart rate and add some backside work for muscle balance around the hips.

Resist letting winter season variants diminish your plans to walk more for good health. We’re expecting another skift of snow and March may only bring corn snow, just wear layers, enjoy the sun and keep those snowshoes out for awhile longer.

P.S. snowshoes hang really nicely over the poles so you can carry them from the sidewalk to your trail or field of choice when the terrain isn’t metal friendly!

Have fun and stay safe out there.