Cleveland Clinic Expert Shares Tips for Staying Active in Winter

CLEVELAND, OH — With colder temperatures settling in, maintaining an exercise routine can be challenging. However, staying active during winter is essential for both physical and mental well-being, according to Dr. Marie Schaefer, a sports medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic.

"It's very important to maintain your activity during the winter months because you don't want to lose the benefits of exercise," Dr. Schaefer said. "There are cardiac and respiratory benefits from working out. Exercise can also improve your mood, and there’s some evidence it can boost your immune system as well. You want to stay active even though sometimes you may not feel like it."

While the gym remains an option, Dr. Schaefer suggested that an effective workout can be done at home without specialized equipment. Simple exercises such as lunges, planks and pushups provide strength training and flexibility without requiring extensive space or gear. Walking indoors, such as at a shopping mall, can also help maintain activity levels during the colder months.

Outdoor activities are still viable when weather conditions allow. On milder days, individuals can take advantage of seasonal sports that are not possible in warmer months. "There are winter activities that you can’t do in the summer," Dr. Schaefer said. "You can enjoy things like skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating outdoors. There are many activities to do outside as long as you take appropriate safety precautions."

In addition to physical health benefits, exposure to natural sunlight during outdoor workouts can help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Taking advantage of sunny winter days may improve mood and overall well-being.