As the days become colder and shorter it gets increasingly harder for me keep up with a routine workout schedule. When December rolls around I'm left wanting to do nothing more than eat, drink, and spend time with the ones I love. Here are some ways I like to stay fit in the weeks when training takes a late second and sometimes third to the more important things in life.
1.) Join a new club. There are lot of intramural clubs that take place this time of year that you probably aren't even aware of. I recently joined a women's recreational basketball group. We meet twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays) from 7-9 to play pickup Basketball. I played a lot of Basketball growing up and it's been nice to get back on the court. Plus, I've been able to re-connect with some of my old team mates and meet lots of new friends. Social workouts like this are great for this time of year because you get a great workout in without having to spend hours bored on a treadmill
2.) Give yoga a try. I love yoga and there's no better time to polish up the downward dog then during these cold winter months. On days when I get really cold I look forward to warming up with a Birkam yoga class after work. For those that don't know about Bikram yoga it's a yoga class that takes place in a room hot enough to be a sauna. It's a great form of detox because you will sweat ALOT. Classes like these are great way to spend time with a friend or family member. Head to a class then grab some food and catch up afterwards. One last note about yoga; it isn't just for girls. There are always a few men in excellent shape in each yoga class I attend.
3.) Go Outside. There are tons of activities that you can do outside this time of year that are fun but will also provide an excellent work out. Skiing is a great winter workout, especially cross country skiing. There’s also snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, etc. All these activities are great to do with company.
4.) Holiday runs. Just because it gets cold and snow covers the ground doesn't mean you have to stop running outside. There are tons of holiday runs that happen this time of year. Most of them are "social runs" a quick 5k with some type of party following. There's everything from Christmas runs, to super bowl runs and St. Patrick’s Day runs. My dad and I do a lot of these runs together this time of year. We run at a nice easy pace then usually grab a beer together at the post race party. It's always been a special way for us to connect with eachother.
Bottom line: when the weather gets cold grab your buddies and get active together. You'll be left feeling great from all those endorphins and more connected to the person you shared the experience with.