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Image via Miriam Fred

Miriam Fried, founder and head trainer of MF Strong, says that one of the biggest mistakes people fall into with their fitness routine is a sort of “All-or-nothing” mentality. “They don’t exercise during the cold months, and then as soon as the weather warms up, they rush to the gym and start over-exercising to “make up” for their sedentary winter,” she explains. “Then, when they understandably can’t sustain it, they find themselves burnt out before they can create any kind of enjoyable or maintainable routine,” says Fried. Your fitness routine should be one you can sustain all year long and one that you enjoy and look forward to for reasons outside of simply looking good in a swimsuit over the summer.

In order to maintain a healthy fitness routine, it’s important that you get outside, even during the winter. Since gyms and studios have restrictions due to COVID-19, working out at home or outside might be your only options. While working out at home or inside an apartment gym is great, getting fresh air and switching up your routine will help reduce burn-out that Miriam often refers to. Check out Miriam’s favorite outdoor winter activities ahead.

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Hit the slopes

Take advantage of the snow and log in some miles while partaking in a mountain activity. From skiing and snowboarding to a more low-impact outdoor activity like cross country skiing or snowshoeing, you can burn major calories while partaking in a fun and active outing.

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Take it to the trails

The great thing about hiking is you can do it all year round. If you live in a city, it’ll feel like a great escape to take in nature and breathe in the fresh air. Going on a nice long hike is a great workout for your body and mind, letting you mentally escape from the hustle and bustle in your everyday life. If it has recently snowed or the trails are icy, make sure to be careful and to take proper precautions.

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Start a walking group

When your alarm goes off in the morning and it’s cold out you might be inclined to hit the snooze button, but if you make plans with a friend to walk or run first thing in the morning you’ll be held accountable and will get those steps in. “Accountability is so helpful when it comes to forming new habits and trying to create a sustainable fitness routine,” says Fried. Since a lot of us are working from home, our daily steps might clock on the low side, versus when we were commuting. Logging a long walk or run with a friend will help you keep your activity levels up. Plus, it’s a safe, socially-distanced activity you can do with a mask on!

If you can’t exercise together in person, Fried recommends signing up for a virtual class together or finding an at-home workout program you can both follow and support one another through.

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Walk instead of drive

If you live in an area where there are coffee shops and other spots within walking distance, leave the car keys at home. Get in some extra steps and pick up your daily latte on foot. You can even do this with a friend and make this a social outing–socially distanced, of course!

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Try a new at-home workout

Staying motivated at home is hard. If you’re someone who gets sick of the same thing, try to keep it exciting and new. Sign up for at-home fitness apps like Peloton and Obe Fitness offer a wide range of classes like yoga, pilates, HIIT and dance.

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Play in the snow

You may think the only thing you can do when snow comes is have a warm beverage by the fire, but playing in the snow and getting your heart rate up is great, too. Have a snowball fight with your friends, build a snowman with your family, and run around. If you’ve ever put on snow boots and tried to run around in the snow, you know it can be quite a blood-pumping workout. If you really want to burn calories, pick up a shovel and clear your driveway or walkway.

ands tying ice skates on rink for outdoor winter activities
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Go ice skating

Channel your inner Michelle Kwan and lace up some skates on the ice. Ice skating works almost every major muscle group, providing you with the ultimate full-body workout.

With the inevitable seasonal mood changes that come with cold weather and less sunshine, it’s even more important to find ways to move your body throughout the winter months. “Exercise can quite literally make you happier,” says Fried. “It alleviates anxiety, reduces stress, helps you sleep better, and gives you a natural energy boost; all things that are much needed all winter long.”

Whatever outdoor winter activities you prefer, Fried highly recommends keeping a schedule and going in with a plan. “Carve out scheduled workout time in your calendar and make a date with yourself. It is already SO much harder to keep a routine going during the winter, so you want to give yourself every possible chance to succeed and follow through,” she says. Just winging it can work sometimes, but you’re far more likely to stick to a structured routine or program.

And remember, the plan doesn’t haven’t to be super complex! On days when you’re really not feeling it, Fried recommends even just selecting 3-4 exercises and keeping it simple.

What are your favorite outdoor winter activities? Tell us in the comments, then shop our Activewear collection to get moving in style!