Keeping active in the winter months can be a challenge. The days are shorter and colder, and going outside for fresh air may seem unappealing when you could be curled up and cozy in front of a fire.
Shake off those hibernation tendencies and get active outdoors this winter with some fun exercises that will burn calories while you enjoy all that this season has to offer.
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Build a snowman: While you may not think of this as an exercise, getting outside and building a snowman with your children or grandchildren (or maybe even on your own) can burn just under 150 calories in only 30 minutes. Squatting down and rolling around heavy snowballs is a great workout, and stacking the middle and head on top of the base gets you lifting weights without realizing it.
Go skating: Skating at a moderate pace is great cardio exercise and can burn over 170 calories in 30 minutes. Strap on your skates and take a romantic Valentine’s Day trip with your partner, or just head down to the local rink for a few laps of fun exercise.
Shovel snow: It may not be the most enjoyable activity on this list, but shoveling snow can work out your whole body and burn over 200 calories in just 30 minutes. Be sure that you’re maintaining proper posture when you clear the driveway to avoid injuring your back.
Go sledding: This is a better workout than you think, as it involves walking up steep hills over and over. Burn just under 235 calories in 30 minutes of this fun activity, and for an even better workout, offer to pull the kids home.
Break out your skis: Cross-country skiing is a great way to get outdoors and take in a beautiful day while being active. 30 minutes of this activity can burn 387 calories, all while you are out enjoying the fresh air at your own pace. If you prefer a more vigorous option, downhill skiing is also a great way to spend the day while burning calories. This activity combines both aerobic and anaerobic activity for a great whole body workout.
Get outside this winter and stay active by building a snowman, sledding, shoveling, skating, and skiing—all while burning calories, having fun, and enjoying the best of the season.
Related: 7 winter foods that can improve your health
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
