5 Ways to Stay Active While Your Pool is Closed for Winter

If you rely on your pool to keep you active during most of the year, you might find yourself struggling to keep moving during the winter months. Swimming might not be an option during this season, but there are plenty of other things you can do to keep fit. Try out a few of the ideas below to get yourself in better shape this winter.

1. Go On Walks

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise out there, especially in the winter months. Many communities put up Christmas decorations and displays that give you plenty to look at during your regular strolls. Aim to get a brisk 30-minute walk in every day. If you can’t fit 30 minutes in all at once, you can break that amount into two 15-minutes chunks.

2. Try Out Winter Sports

If you’d prefer something more active to get you moving this winter, look into participating in some winter sports. People who are fortunate enough to live in places near ski resorts can take up skiing or snowboarding, but there are plenty of other options for people who don’t. You can try skating at your local rink or play some games of curling or hockey with other members of your community. Not only is this a fun way to get your winter exercise, but it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people!

3. Sign Up for a Class

Some people enjoy exercising in their pool because they like to be around other people while getting their workout in. If you’re one of these people, a winter fitness class might be right for you.

Your local community center likely has dozens of fitness classes you can sign up for, including dance, yoga, aerobics, strength training, and even swimming (in an indoor pool, of course). Not only do these classes put you in contact with a network of people doing the same activities you are, but they also give you the opportunity to try new things. Experiment with different classes to find the one that clicks best with you!

4. Join the Gym

Want to explore ways to train specific parts of your body? You might benefit from joining a local gym for the winter. Gyms have a plethora of equipment you can use to work on your fitness routine through the colder months.

There’s nothing wrong with sticking to basic machines like the treadmill or stationary bike, but you’ll get the most out of your membership by exploring other options too. Try rowing, lifting weights, practicing resistance training, or any other form or exercise you’ve been curious about. You might just find something you love enough to keep doing even when you can access your pool again.

5. Adopt an Online Exercise Routine

Gyms aren’t for everyone, but you can get a similar experience in your home using exercise programs and videos available online. Some of these materials are free to access while others require you to purchase a monthly membership.
In-home exercise is great because you can do it whenever you like.

You can purchase home gym equipment like weights or a medicine ball to enhance the experience, but you don’t have to; you can get great workouts all winter long with nothing more than your PC or phone and a willingness to learn. Furthermore, many fitness gurus who post content online have a specific niche they target with their work. This can be very useful if you have a disability or restriction that makes some forms of exercise difficult for you.