What is the right amount of training during the “off season?” This is always such a difficult question to answer.
Most of us tend to slow down with our workouts from Thanksgiving to Presidents Day. We have the holiday parties, the meals to deal with, cold weather, and of course, football. Once the groundhog comes out to see his shadow we start thinking about getting back into our workout routine. Then we notice that things are a little bit tighter then they used to be and after that first workout you realize “ WOW I’m out of shape and Spring is right around the corner. I have to get busy again”.
It seems like each year it’s more of a challenge to get back into shape. However, I learned a few years ago that there are ways to stay in shape during the winter months and they can actually be a lot fun. What seems to work is to cross train in different activities during your off month of running, biking, and other outdoor sports. Try something new that works a different mussel group.
Here are a few activities to try. How about a spin class at your local gym? They turn the lights off and play the music really loud and it a sixty minute cardio burn. You can try rock climbing at several indoor rock climbing facilities in our area. It’s a great strength and agility workout. What about a hike at one of our local parks. We have the Potomac River right out our back door with tons of trails to choose from. We also have a lot of indoor pools in our area with adult open swim classes. Join a master swim class and swim once a week. You can even try ice skating for the first time. I didn’t realized how much of a workout it was until I tried it last year. These are just a few activities that you can participate in during the winter months, you are keeping the body active and it helps you stay in shape. In some cases you’ll pick up a new hobby that you’ll enjoy even more than you usual routine.
|
