3 Questions about finding Fresh — New — Winter Workout Ideas for OUTDOORS prior to cold weather?
I’m looking for 3 things:
1 — I am looking for some fresh new workout ideas…maybe playing of off the weather getting cooler and what exercises we can do outside while the weather isn’t so cold just yet.
2 — Does anyone know of any high energy and fun new trends that don’t require a great deal of equipment
3 – Finally, anyone think of any dangers people should know about when working out during the winter months or in general?
Hi Nolan,
I see that you are located in New Orleans, LA. From my own experience I don’t remember getting that cold even during the winter down there. In other words you could design a program that is similar to ones that you can do during the warmer months of the year. If you were in places like MN, IL or WI for example then I could give you some great ideas since I spent the majority of my time training people outdoors even in the middle of winter. As far as dangers people should know about I would definitely put the risk if hypothermia on the top of the list. Other potential dangers could be dehydration, frostbites (if you are located in a very cold environment), muscle cramps, getting sick with cold and/or flu like symptoms due to the close proximity to others and if not properly warmed up then the danger of injury exists. I’m not sure this answers your question, but I hope it helps. Others might be able to offer you with more reasons.
Best,
Harris
Hello Nolan Ferraro,
We walk outdoors all year long; making sure to dress warmly in layers for the cold. The asthmatics are careful by covering their faces to prevent breathing cold air. We wear a wide brim hat for sun protection and carry water.
Our parks and schools have workout stations along paths to add high energy bouts of fun.
We also wear ice cleats or similar items for slippery surfaces. Snowshoeing can also be fun; but, be careful not to overdo the first few sessions, as lifting a larger shoe with the weight of snow and ice on it can be trying on the hip flexors.
Jump rope, Punk Rope, are great to do outdoors in the cooler weather without the annoying insects biting and sweat not evaporating…yes, there are advantages to cool weather.
Temperatures and how we react to them are relative to the area we live in. Listen to the body to dress appropriately and comfortably. This is why I stress clothing the body in layers; it is much easier to peel off excess than put on what we do not have with us.
I hope this helps you.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Hi Nolan,
Since the others have given you a few ideas for the dangers of the weather, I’ll give you a few ideas for outside workouts.
Not sure what it is you usually do, if you need client or class ideas, but here are a few things to try:
–I see that you are certified in TRX–if you have a few of these, they are wonderful tool for outside bodyweight exercises. Plus, very portable with minimal effort. It gives clients and participants a whole new feel being outside. You could do a functional circuit with the TRX and other body weight exercises mixed in.
–Are you near a local park? Use the equipment at the park. Swings become the platform for feet in elevated planks. Monkey bars become pullup bars. Benches become step up platforms. Playgrounds become areas for sprints or runs.
–Are you near any outdoor trails? Hit the trails, and map out a destination. Often the developed trails will have little workout stations along the way that you can use. Even if you don’t have a trail near you, map your route out–and then every 1/4 or 1/2 mile or so, stop to do an exercise.
All of these ideas can be made more “fresh” by having a theme or focus for the day. You can focus on timed intervals. You can focus on upper or lower body. You can focus on rotation or core for the day. It gives your clients and participants something to look forward to and know what they will be focusing on for the day.
It’s the mix that make it fresh. 🙂
Best,
Christine
Hi Nolan,
Injuries can occur due to going to hard prior to proper warm-up. Warming up may take longer during cold weather.
As for work out, season themed pre – ski/snowboard training, is one I did that was fun.
As for low cost, on a smooth surface you can use those discs that were popular for sliding on the floor. Forget what they’re called. You can use the for low skating motions.
Hope this is a little help,
Yvette