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Putting on a swimsuit in the winter? Imagine that! Well it
really isn't as ridiculous as it may sound.
When the winter months roll around, we tend to spend more
time in our homes due to inclement weather. As a result, we often
lead a rather inactive life. Yet, we've heard time and time again
about the benefits of exercise: decreased risk for development of
coronary heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis; reduced blood
pressure; and improved sleeping habits.
If exercise is the key to improving your quality of life,
how can you be successful at exercising during winter months,
when even such minimal tasks as taking out the trash seem
difficult, due to the weather?
Here are some suggestions. If you live close to a mall, head
over with your walking shoes and take a stroll. Many malls have
"mall walkers." These folks (predominately senior citizens) meet
on a regular basis and get their exercise by walking laps inside
the mall.
There are several advantages to mall walking. You don't have
to battle with the nasty winter weather while walking, so you
don't have to "bundle up." You can walk in light, comfortable
clothing, and since there are many sights to see at the mall, you
are guaranteed an interesting trip.
If your community does not have a mall-walkers' group, you
might want to start one through the local community or senior
center. If that's not possible, then invite a friend along. You
can go to the mall, chat and enjoy some time together while you
exercise. If your community does not have an indoor shopping
mall, inquire at local schools about using gymnasiums or indoor
tracks.
If walking isn't your cup of tea, but swimming is; and if
you have access to a local community pool, then take the plunge.
Many think swimming is an activity for the warm, summer months.
However, you'd be surprised at the number of community pools that
have year-round schedules. Don't wait! Pick up the phone, contact
the pool, find out the schedule and get that swimsuit out.
If the winter weather is too bad for getting out of the
house, consider purchasing exercise equipment for your home.
There is a variety of equipment available on the market today:
stationary bicycles, rowing machines, stair-stepping machines and
treadmills. Since some equipment can be expensive, especially for
those on a fixed income, look for sales in the newspaper.
With your own equipment, you have the comfort and
convenience of your own home in which to exercise. All you need
is to set it up in front of the television or window, put on your
favorite show or watch the sights outside and exercise away. The
time will pass by in the blink of an eye while you're
entertained.
Remember, "if you don't use it, you'll lose it." When one
places a piece of chewing gum in a drawer overnight, the gum gets
hard and loses its flexibility. The same is true of our bodies.
When we sit around, the body becomes inflexible and stiff. Dr.
Thomas Cureton, an exercise scientist, states it best. "The body
is the only machine that functions better the more it is put to
use."
Time is wasting. Get that body moving!
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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