Winter Workouts

Blow Off The Winter Blahs and Get Moving!

The winter can wreak havoc on your body making it especially important to keep the metabolism up by moving as much and as quickly as possible.

One sure fire way to rev it up is to perform high intensity cardiovascular activities. Think kickboxing, studio-spin classes, or even running are key.

Kickboxing for an hour can burn at least 450 calories, and 45-minute studio-spin class can burn at least 550 calories if you totally go for it.

For those who are less interested in cardio-intensive workouts, there are plenty of other solutions. Interval strength training workouts are highly effective for extreme calorie burning.

In fact, one hour of fairly intense interval training can burn upwards of 500 calories as well. This is where Equinox’s Recess class comes in.
Interval training consists of one or two strength moves (squats, pushups, etc) mixed with a timed cardio activity (1 min jump rope).
Pilates can also burn 200-250 calories in an hour while working to elongate muscles, improve posture and relieve stress and joint tightness.

Chicago snow can be a drag but also another way to keep burning those calories if you can’t make it to the gym. Grab a shovel and after an hour you’ll burn roughly 350 calories.

Shoveling is considered cardio activity because of the repetitive motion and the strength of lifting snow. Just be mindful of your back and posture...and, always remember to bend those knees. Put the blowers away, grab the shovel and enjoy the hot chocolate, guilt-free.
Other winter burners include snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and even something as simple as helping your kids build a snowman are ways to burn extra calories in the winter. Any one of these activities burns about 300-400 calories an hour

How To Dress:

Make sure to dress in layers so as you warm up you can remove small articles at a time.
Keep your head covered at all times because heat escapes from your head quickly and can drop your body temperature.

Take advantage of the season as winter activities are uniquely beneficial because the body has to warm the cold air that is entering your lungs. This takes more effort than breathing warm air so a few more calories may be burned. That being said, set reasonable expectations and before heading out, and planning a long run make sure you gradually progress so your body gets accustomed to cold climate.

Happy Winter & Happy Workouts!

Carolyn Paulsen & The Team at Equinox Fitness Clubs in Highland Park