Why It’s Important to Stay Active This Winter

The winter weather is approaching. When it’s cold and dark outside, you may want to cuddle up on the couch with a warm blanket and not go anywhere until spring. However, while this sort of hibernation may sound comfortable, it’s not very good for your health.

It’s important to stay active during the winter and there are many reasons why.

The Importance of Staying Active During the Winter Months

Regular physical activity is important for people of all ages and all fitness levels. For most adults, it’s recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. This doesn’t mean you need to do it all at once, however. Breaking this time up into smaller chunks (such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for example) works as well.

Benefits

Physical activity has many benefits for both your physical and mental health. This is true all year round. Though the weather and lack of daylight can make it more difficult to be active at this time of year, important to take steps to continue your physical activity even in the winter months.

Improves your Mental Health

During the winter months, it’s common to experience what is often known as the “winter blues.” A more serious issue is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a type of that is related to changes in the seasons and is more common during the winter months.

Regular exercise may help ease depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins that improve your mood. It can also help take your mind of any stress of worry in your life, allowing you to relax.

Benefits your Immune and Heart Health

Regular cardiovascular exercise can help lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels, and boost your heart health.

Exercising can also boost your immune system. In addition to contributing to better overall health (and therefore a stronger immune system), being active can also help stimulate cellular immunity. This is perfect during the winter, when colds and flus are more common.

Helps to Relieve Back Pain

Exercise helps strengthen your bones and muscles. This will help you feel better overall and it can also relieve back pain. When the muscles in your core are stronger, this helps improve your posture and that take some of the strain off of your back.

Staying active also helps improve your balance, so you’re less likely to slip, fall, or lose your balance. This can protect your back and keep you from getting injured.

Helps you Avoid Winter Weight Gain

It’s not uncommon to gain weight during the winter. When it’s cold and dark, you may be more tempted to eat “comfort foods” which are often high in sugar and calories. There is also the holiday season, which can result in more eating than usual.

Exercising regularly helps you maintain your weight and avoid winter weight gain. Also, when you’re living an active lifestyle, your body may naturally start to crave healthier foods to fuel it, rather than unhealthy items that are lacking in nutrients. This will help control your weight as well.

Winter Activity Ideas

Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t get outside. If possible, try and go for a brisk walk in the afternoon, when the sun is still out. Not only will this help you stay active, but the sun’s rays can improve your mood and help boost your levels of vitamin D, which is necessary for optimal health.

Playing a winter sport (hockey, skiing, skating, etc.) can also be a fun way to get active this winter. Join a team or gather some friends together and get out there.



If pain, discomfort, or a lack of range of motion is making it difficult to live an active lifestyle, we can help. Call us at 647-351-4000, contact us online , or book an appointment through our online portal. We will work to help you become pain free, so you can go back to enjoying your life.