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Home Opinion Winter fitness: How to mentally and physically survive
  • Opinion

Winter fitness: How to mentally and physically survive

By
Michael Sharifi
-
November 10, 2010
0

Last year I traveled to Hawaii to visit a good friend. There is no need to belabor the point by telling you about the sandals and shorts I wore during the month of January. There is no prevalence to why this would be relative to you except I had to come home and home I came under duress. As the plane flew over Utah my heart started to pound in my chest, it was as if I had been sentenced to do time in a place where time was frozen, literally.

With winter upon us and a blanket of white snow, you will have a choice to either endure in despair or try to find some joy in the unenviable. Since you and I are not bears, trying to eat excessively and to sleep through the winter is not a viable choice. Here are some healthy options for staying in shape and keeping a positive attitude during shorter days and colder temperatures.

Here are some favorite outdoor activities I recommend:

Learn to snowboard, it is a great way to stay in shape when you are just learning and an even better workout when you are good enough to carve the mountain. Beginner lesson packages are around $95 with gear included at most resorts.

Hiking in a winter wonderland with snowshoes is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Check out REI to rent snowshoes.

Located in downtown Salt Lake City is a skating rink at the Gallivan Center. Gather your friends, bring some hot chocolate and pad your behind. Students’ skate for $4 and skate rentals are just $3.

For those who are looking for something more active, try skate skiing or cross country skiing, both activities are an awesome cardio workout. When you are in motion, you are creating heat and burning calories.

Here is a list of some indoor activities I recommend:

Visit an indoor rock climbing gym, this is a fun way to hide from the cold and still get a good workout. Places to check out are Momentum Climbing, Rockreation and The Front.

Swimming Indoors in a heated pool will keep you fit and prepare you for the summer activities. Just make sure to dry off and to bundle up before going outside.

Training at your gym, fitness center or recreation center is another way to hide from the cold. If you are bored with your normal routine or want to get in better shape try a fitness class or get a personal trainer.

Here is something for everyone and good for all Yoga fans. One style of yoga, called Bikram Yoga, is practiced at 105-degree temperatures. Here is a list of some great studios around Salt Lake City; Centered City Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Avenues Yoga, or look for a class at your local fitness center. Call to find out about free introductory classes and first time discounts.

There is no changing the weather and there is no escaping to Hawaii this year, so we are all into surviving winter together. Remember to eat healthy, exercise regularly and attempt to do one or more of the activities listed above. “Exercise has been shown to have tremendous benefits for mental health,” Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas said. Take his advice and look after your own health this long, cold winter.

Michael Sharifi
The Globe
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