Staying active in winter

[Red Rock]

I have a variety of DVDs that give a great workout.

Also, I came across fitdeck.com. They sell a variety of different types of card decks that have different exercises on them. I'm looking into that since it is a cheap and economical way to get exercise in the house or outside whichever is best for you. The major decks are about $20 and others that are more specific are about $10 US. I hope that helps.

[tulip]

Walking my dog twice a day (no getting out of that!), turning my compost pile once a week, riding my bike to the post office and back every day (because I work from home, that's my commute), and yoga and Pilates keeps me active in the winter. My riding is limited to 1-2 longer rides per week on the weekends. I do not have a mountain bike, but if I did, I would ride in the woods.

[Jolt]

Like they say- there is no bad weather....only bad clothes.

I agree. Even with Raynaud's--I have it as well. Actually, I find that as long as I am active (and properly dressed), I don't tend to have a problem being out in the cold. It's the stopping and cooling down that is good for bringing on an attack...for example, coming in from a run (happened tonight and I freaked out my roommate with it). It's annoying but not the kind of thing I would let stop me from staying active outside during the winter--THAT would not be good for my mental health (or that of people around me)!

[Owlie]

Jolt, if you're going out in MA, then I have no excuse!
No dog here, but I love walking in snow, provided it's not the really heavy wet stuff. I've got a warm coat and lined pants, and I found that if I wear fleece gloves and keep my hands in my pockets, my fingers are fine. In fact, I was sweating on my way home from campus on Monday. Now, I just need to figure out what to put on my feet--the wool socks and hiking boots aren't quite cutting it.
Since I have to walk to the grocery store, I'll be doing that at least once a week! I'll look into yoga and see what I can find. I took a yoga class last fall and loved it.

[NbyNW]

I have actually found myself reaching for thinner socks since moving up north. I still stay with wool, but instead of thick, bunchy squishy hiking socks, I'm wearing the thinner socks that are designed for other sports or even for casual wear. It's all about allowing the blood to circulate.

Also, once the temperatures get below a certain point, you're right -- hiking boots are not the warmest. They are designed for support, not for warmth. I have snow boots that are rated to -40℃. They are not pretty, and they don't provide much support. Which is fine, because I'm trying to strengthen my foot muscles anyway. But they do keep my extremities from getting dangerously cold when I'm out walking the dog.

If I want to wear something a bit nicer than my snowboots, I've got Uggs-that-don't-look-like-Uggs. Nice and cozy!

[lauraelmore1033]

I bought a new trainer and some spinning dvds a couple of years ago and I HATED it so much that riding in the cold and rain were a pleasure by comparison. So I did it. I will never spend another dime on another fitness dvd! (although I might actually check out the offerings on netflix)

[Jolt]

Jolt, if you're going out in MA, then I have no excuse!

It's all a matter of dressing properly for the conditions, and I suppose it has a lot to do with what you're used to as well; I've lived in MA most of my life (but I'm currently looking for a job and will most likely have to relocate...positions for which I am in the process of being considered right now are in Maine and Minnesota so I might shortly be needing to learn how to deal with even colder weather). Some activities are better than others in the cold, too--I don't like riding in the cold b/c I find my extremities just don't stay warm (of course, that could also be a function of not having figured out the optimal clothing for it) but I love running on a cold day, especially on a trail. Just got back from a trail run, actually--it was about 28 degrees and I ran for a little under 40 minutes. I was wearing a midweight pair of pants and long sleeved top, a vest, wool mittens and a lightweight hat, and was quite comfortable. My hands were even sweating by the end...maybe I could get away with just a light pair of gloves.