Don't Let Winter Weather Derail Your Fitness Plans

Don’t Let Winter Weather Derail Your Fitness Plans

During the winter months, being active can be a challenge. Here are some tips from Susan Nitzke, nutrition specialist with UW-Extension and professor emerita of Nutritional Sciences at UW-Madison to ensure winter does not derail your fitness plans.
Being active.
--When it’s too cold or icy to take a walk outside, check your community’s schools, parks and senior centers for indoor programs such as yoga or group exercise classes.
--If there’s an indoor pool in your community, find out when it’s available for community members.
--Do you like to dance? Dancing is a great way to enjoy vigorous movement without even noticing how hard you’re working.
--When you watch TV, walk or jog in place during the commercial breaks.
--Plan social activities that involve exercise. Invite friends to walk with you at the mall or join a local group, such as the YMCA.
--Ask your local library to help you find an exercise video that’s appropriate for children. Then make it a game to try out the movements with your children or grandchildren.

Overall, if you eat 100 more food calories a day than your body needs, you can easily gain a pound in a month. For most people, watching what they eat and being physically active are both necessary to stay fit and healthy. It may not sound as exciting or trendy as the latest fad diet or fitness gadget, but eating well and being active is the combination that works best in the long run.

For more information, check out the Dietary Guidelines for Americans advice for consumers at http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/MyPlate/DG2010Brochure.pdf and track your progress with the free “SuperTracker” and other personalized tools for nutrition and physical activity at http://www.choosemyplate.gov.