Freezing temperatures, blowing snow, and slippery ice can make getting out the door a challenge in the winter months. Thankfully, living in Northern Colorado, we have a host of diverse options to stay active and healthy during this time of year, when you could easily stay in your cozy bed. According to Edward-Elmhurst Health, exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day can help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD feels like depression but is temporary and results from lower levels of serotonin, which is often produced in the sunlight and which exercise produces. Therefore, getting out and exercising during these month is much more beneficial- mentally and physically- than hibernating through winter. Try out these five tips on how to get active in Northern Colorado!
1. Hit Your Favorite Trails in Snowshoes
While your favorite trails to hike in the summer might now be covered with a treacherous combination of snow and ice, there is still be a way to get out and see them. Snowshoes can be found on Amazon for $35, or at REI for hundred of dollars, depending on how committed you are. Walk among the snow covered pines to a frozen lake with a view of the Rocky Mountains just 90 minutes from Fort Collins or 30 minutes from Boulder at Brainard Lake.
2. Try Out a Climbing Gym
If you are looking for a way to find a community, avoid the cold, and still be active then trying out a climbing gym is a great idea. Climbing is both an indoor and outdoor sport, so you can practice it year-round without missing a beat in CO! As the sport grows in popularity, there are options for beginners who want to learn and intermediate climbers. At a local Fort Collins gym, Whetstone, the passes range from a day pass to a year long membership.
3. Join a Running Club
Sometimes it seems like running is the last thing you want to do on a chilly dark Wednesday night. Then you think about your running buddy waiting for you at your local running store and muster up the willpower to get yourself bundled up to brave the weather. Many running stores host a small group of people to create a community and go on runs together. An added bonus, there are often discounts and freebies thrown in!
4. Hit the Slopes
One of the things Colorado is most famous for: skiing. If you are looking for a winter sport to seriously invest in, skiing and snowboarding help you get in a great workout while spending time in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with friends and family. Whether you decide to ski or snowboard, there are tons of great places and passes that you can get to be sure that you can secures yourself a day on the slopes
5. Get a Gym Membership
Getting a gym membership can be a great way to help you get out of the house, even if you are not a fan of braving a winter storm. There are many options in addition to a tradition gym, such as the YMCA, including Pilates, spin, and yoga classes. These can spice up your routine and give you a way to be social. Whether you hit the treadmill, shoot some hoops, or lift weights you can be sure that you will feel better when you leave.
This list of ways you can get active to improve your mental and physical health is only the start. Northern Colorado has many outlets for exercise at our fingertips, whether it is a 30 minute walk outside or a day in the snow. Hibernation is not the only option for Coloradoans in the winter, so go get out there!
