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Workout Wednesday: Winter Workouts

While winter doesn't technically happen until next Thursday, we have already had some chilly days here in Chicago and we know there are many more to come. With the dropping temperatures comes increasing wind speeds, snow, and misery. None of these factors make for a very appealing workout experience (is there an appealing workout experience? Katie 2 thinks no.) But that doesn't mean you have to give up on your fitness goals (or give up setting any). We're here to talk about the great ways to get fit that don't involve joining a gym.

  1. We want to throw back to our post on the November Project. We aren't going to rehash the details we told you about there, but having a group makes waking up on a cold morning a little less awful.
  2. We work in a tall office building in downtown Chicago. The workout a colleague of ours does regularly? Stairs. When she started, Leila would only go up a few floors. She has been doing it for years now and can make it all the way to the top floor, back down, and up again before her legs and glutes start to really burn. She's so good at this point she chats with her comrades while she does climbs. If you, like us, would be too out of breath/miserable or you can't find anyone crazy enough to do the stairs with you, pop in your headphones and listen to some cool jams. If you're really into stair climbing, sign up for a cool event like Hustle Up the Hancock in your area.
  3. There are all sorts of websites and YouTube channels that offer workout tutorials. Do a search on Pinterest to find a few. We have recently discovered that Xfinity OnDemand offers a variety of workouts. Katie 2 tried some yoga and was pleasantly surprised. 
  4. Now is your chance to explore. Look up those classes you've been hearing about and go test them out. OrangeTheory, SoulCycle, CrossFit (PLEASE don't try CrossFit. We will judge you.) 
  5. Winter sports are a great way to workout without feeling like you're working out. Skiing and snowboarding take a lot of lower body strength. Ice skating (not falling down on ice skates) is great for your legs and core. We are going to hit up the local skating ribbon.
None of the above appeal to you? No problem. Just stock up on cold weather gear and hit the streets!
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