January 28, 2025 by Zoie Clay
During the winter months, the colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours often keep us bundled up inside. However, it is important to make sure we still make time to stay active. Moving our bodies and keeping our family active majorly benefits everyone’s physical and mental health! Plus, just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun!
It is crucial to incorporate some movement into your days during the winter for various reasons. Exercising helps boost your immunity, which is important during cold and flu season. Additionally, in the winter months, people may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression caused by shorter days and less daylight. Physical activity and movement have been proven to lower the risk for depressive disorder and boost moods. No matter the time of year, let’s ensure we care for our bodies and minds and stay active to care for ourselves!
Here are some ideas for keeping yourself and your family active this winter:
- If it is not too cold – play outside! Make sure to monitor the weather and dress in layers while still enjoying fresh air and sunlight. Remember even in the cold it’s important to hydrate. Even helping a neighbor shovel snow is a great way to increase your activity levels while helping your community.
- Visit your local fitness center or recreation center! Join a local indoor sports league or see if a local center offers exercise classes.
- Move your way at home! You do not have to leave your home to be active – find movement in your everyday activities. For example, cleaning the house, playing with your pets, or playing games that require movement (Twister, Charades, building an indoor obstacle course, or hopscotch with tape on the floor). Even having a family dance party in the living room is a great way to move your body and increase your heart rate.
- Utilize digital resources! There are SO many online physical activity communities and resources that are high quality and free. Here are some free, online resources:
- YMCA’s YouTube channel has an assortment of workout videos for all levels, ages, and topics.
- Yoga with Adriene’s YouTube channel has hundreds of yoga routines ranging from strength training to meditation to yoga for kids.
- Senior Planet from AARP has live fitness and wellness classes plus an online library with a variety of videos from Tai Chi, Balance Matters, and strength training.
Writer: Zoie Clay, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Lawrence County
Reviewer: Alisha Barton, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County
Sources:
August 30, 2025
Staying Active During the Winter Months | Live Healthy Live Well
maximios Blog
January 28, 2025 by Zoie Clay
During the winter months, the colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours often keep us bundled up inside. However, it is important to make sure we still make time to stay active. Moving our bodies and keeping our family active majorly benefits everyone’s physical and mental health! Plus, just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun!
It is crucial to incorporate some movement into your days during the winter for various reasons. Exercising helps boost your immunity, which is important during cold and flu season. Additionally, in the winter months, people may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression caused by shorter days and less daylight. Physical activity and movement have been proven to lower the risk for depressive disorder and boost moods. No matter the time of year, let’s ensure we care for our bodies and minds and stay active to care for ourselves!
Here are some ideas for keeping yourself and your family active this winter:
Writer: Zoie Clay, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Lawrence County
Reviewer: Alisha Barton, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County
Sources: