As the saying goes - ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!’ So while it may seem as though it is too chilly and wet to bother being outdoors (for all you who loathe winter), exchanging gym time for nature views can help you avoid viruses & keep you sane! There is so much solid research on the benefits of exercise for more than just the physical results.

How about the “happy hormone” released to increase our serotonin levels or the calming effect to the mind & mood by getting fresh air rather than being cooped up?

How about the way exercise IMPROVES OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM? This idea is a critical piece to good health since our days of covid. Being outside is the type of lifestyle fitness which is holistic; it affects us positively body, mind & spirit.

Winter warriors…

For those of you who already have a habit of walking, I invite you to increase your intensity by not waiting for the snow plow or neighbour to clear the sidewalks! Why? *Walking through the snow, climbing small hills and wearing more gear in the colder temperatures changes the expenditure compared to the energy you use up during a summer walk in sneakers. Your body tries to keep you warm as it likes to stay the same (called homeostasis).

*Thighs will have to work harder to walk booted feet THROUGH snow, instead of on top of a cleared sidewalk.

*Your hamstrings and backside need to participate if you climb an incline (tobogganing anyone?)

*Your core muscles kick in to keep you upright.

*When muscles work harder due to added obstacles, the heart rate and lung capacity increase to burn a few extra calories! That’s really good news if you’re going to make the effort.

Seek out a different street or trail to your normal route to help you “be present” with a new view as well as changing muscle stimulation. Do you ever catch yourself mindlessly strutting along deep in thought (not THAT problem again!?) and missing out on what’s happening around you?

Winter months may not seem so long when effort is made to embrace - instead of despair over the snowy season. Snow is more than just a pretty face.

Here are stretches which I suggest are great to do any day but particularly after a walk to lengthen and realign warm muscle fibres and cool down from the exertion.

-Keeping grandparents limber and strong over 20 years long…Laurie Surey

Ocean Pearl Yoga / E’s Into Wellness

Stretch Notes:

Quad stretch - hold ankle and gently pull leg back (two versions to introduce a deeper shoulder and thigh stretch & include a small backbend

Calf muscle - keep back heel down and foot forward. This stretch is fun on the wall bc you can deepen & change the stretch feel by either tilting the pelvis, leaning forward or bending the knee more.

Lunge -great for hips, muscles around the knee, hips and ankles. Use a park bench, tree or wall if a bit wobbly. I have attached two different versions for variety or to accommodate wonky knees.

‘Tis The Season For Winter Walking (falala)