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5 Great Ways to Enjoy Exercising in Cold Weather

These days, doctors are giving patients prescriptions to go outside. If a little fresh air could enhance your life, here are five ideas for getting outdoors, even when the weather isn't so nice.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on November 29 2009
woman walking dog

Image: iStockphoto

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We’re used to doctors prescribing us pills and antibiotics. But these days, some doctors are prescribing something that you can’t find in a pharmacy—even though it’s one of the most powerful resources available.

This magical cure-all is both free and abundant—and best of all, you can find it right in your own backyard. You might have heard of it: it’s called fresh air.

Now, even the medical community is taking note of something that many of us have instinctively known all our lives: spending time in the outdoors can have a great effect on your health. In the Washington Post, Dr. Daphne Miller describes the “park prescriptions” she often diagnoses to her patients, which “include the location of a local green space, the name of a specific trail and, when possible, exact mileage.”

Eleanor Kennedy, a cardiologist in Little Rock, agrees with this method, and has established a “Medical Mile” that she promotes to her patients as a way to keep them heart-healthy. “If my patients feel that they can get outdoors, they are more likely to be consistent about exercise,” she said. “Whether you are waddling, walking or running, going out and exercising will help build your confidence, flexibility and adaptability.”

Unfortunately for those of us on the East Coast, it’s starting to get a bit chilly, but that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the Great Outdoors. Here are five ideas to that should help you stay psyched about heading outdoors all year round.

Walk a dog. Any dog. If you’ve got a dog, you’re probably doing this anyway, but make sure you’re giving your pooch a daily romp. Sticking to your neighborhood is fine, but for a change of scenery, take him for a hike on a dog-friendly trail.

If you don’t have your own dog, whether by choice or circumstance, volunteer as a dog-walker at your local animal shelter. It’s a great way to help a stressed-out dog get a welcome break from the shelter—and will give you a nice breather while doing some good.

Bike or walk to the places you’d normally drive. If you live on a rural farm, this may not work for you—but if you’re in a relatively urban area, why not use an alternate method of transportation when you can? Even if it’s cold, you can still take your bike out for a spin as long as it’s not icy out.

Go birdwatching. All year round, enthusiastic naturalists from the Audubon Society and other groups are happy to lead novices on hikes, helping them to identify rare birds and other interesting wildlife. If you’d like to learn something new while getting some great exercise, check out their site to find out what’s happening near you.

Take your kids on a nature walk. Your children or grandchildren will be excited to go hiking somewhere new. To make it more interesting, ask them to collect pinecones, acorns, and other natural debris, which they can use to create holiday decorations after you get home.

Try snowshoeing. Once the snow starts, sidewalks can be icy, making your usual walking route dangerous. Instead, pick up a pair of snowshoes and go hiking on the freshly fallen snow. Make sure to bring your camera to capture winter at its finest!

Filed under: Features, General Interest, Health and Wellbeing,

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