How to stay active in winter

The temperature is dropping, you’re eating more hearty, carby food and you need loads of layers to stay warm… Winter is sometimes the hardest time to get motivated to stay active, particularly if you’re an early morning, outdoors kind of exerciser! We asked our physios what their favourite way to keep moving is through the cooler months.

Sandra

Winter is a great time to walk! There are no excuses as it’s not too hot (and in Brisbane I think we could say not too cold too!) and it is a quick way to warm up if you are cold. Don’t forget you can drive to a more scenic place (in the mountains or by the water) or a flatter area if you live near hills and your knees or back hurt on slopes. If you want more of a challenge, drive to somewhere that includes hills or stairs. Of course, you can also walk in shopping centres if you feel vulnerable (to falling or dogs) when outside, or if it’s windy or rainy. Go by yourself or grab a buddy (for extra incentive) or a group. Add a nice sit and chat at the end as an enticement!

Megan

Running is a great way to warm up. The temperatures are cooler which means faster times and you don’t have to start at 5am to avoid the heat and humidity of summer. Parkrun can be a great motivation for free timed 5km runs at 7am every Saturday all over Brisbane (and around the world). There are also many fun runs held at this time of year, including Jetty2Jetty and Bridge2Brisbane.

Ally

I second running. There is nothing better than cooler temps for a nice brisk run. My other favourite winter activity is hockey. Team sport a great motivation to get out of the house and catch up with friends whilst exercising. It’s hard to bail in favour of staying snuggled up on the couch if it means letting your team down!

Lucy

Yoga is my favourite winter exercise. It can be done at home, at a studio or outside if you prefer and the weather permits. There are many local studios and online apps to help get you started. Classes range from easy to hard depending on how hard you want to work but, either way, you’re guaranteed to warm up! I also enjoy the mindfulness aspect of this form of exercise.

And of course…

We couldn’t forget Pilates-inspired exercises as another great way to warm up throughout winter. You can exercise indoors with our highly trained physiotherapists and keep strong ready for spring, or get working on that summer bikini bod! Join one of our Physiotherapy Exercise Sessions, or contact us for private Pilates classes.