In the next few days New York will be experiencing a major blizzard that is projected to result in a massive amount of snow accumulation and high MPH winds. Several schools have already decided to close and many residents may not be able to get to work. If you find yourself stuck at home in the next few days, or any time you experience extreme weather, there are a couple things you can do to stay safe, healthy and occupied while unable to leave your home.
You can still follow your fitness routine even if you can’t get outside or get to the gym. Get in an at-home work out – there are so many options online or on TV for any type of exercise you are looking for. Try searching YouTube or OnDemand for a workout video, search online for blogs or websites with at home workout routines or flip through a fitness magazine to get ideas. If your family is home as well, get them involved. It’s a terrific way to be active and spend time together. You could also try playing a fun game together like charades, Celebrity or Cranium. You’ll fight boredom by being active and you’ll get a good workout from laughing as much as moving your body. You can also use your time to cook up something healthy. If you don’t normally cook it’s a great way to kill time and it can be an entertaining activity for kids. Find something fun to make like zucchini linguini or spaghetti squash, or something where they can add their own toppings like egg white muffins or veggie pizza.
When it is safe to go outside, there are so many fun winter activities that are also great calorie burners. Sledding, building a snow man, having a snowball fight, building a snow fort and making snow angels are just a few perfect options for families and smaller children. Ice skating inside or outside, or a game of pick-up hockey are great for older kids and teenagers. If there is a lot of snow, head to a park or bike trail and try snow shoeing or cross country skiing. Both activities are great for enjoying the outdoors and can burn 500 or more calories in an hour. You can even burn calories just from shoveling your driveway or side walk. But be careful not to overwork yourself – strenuous activities like shoveling snow can increase your risk of heart attack. When the temperature drops, our blood vessels narrow to prevent our bodies from losing too much heat. It’s our body’s natural reaction to cold temperatures outside, so when this affect is combined with increased blood pressure from demanding activities, it can put people with heart conditions and people involved in strenuous exercise or activities at greater risk. Here are some ways to prepare yourself before going outside:
- Warm up with stretching or light activity before beginning any laborious activity
- Layer clothes beneath a windproof and/or waterproof outer shell to maintain body heat
- Take breaks to give your muscles (especially your heart) a rest
- Try to always have at least one other person with you during any activity to ensure you are not alone should an emergency occur
Winter is a wonderful time of year that offers so many unique ways to enjoy the outdoors – and indoors! – with your family and friends. Be safe and enjoy the snow!
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 11730
