Sure, it's bitter cold and everything's covered in snow. But those same elements also make possible a whole range of outdoor activities unavailable at other times, and make other forms of year-round exercise more enjoyable.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Don't stay indoors just because it's cold outside, baby. Believe it or not, when it comes to outdoor exercise, now is one of the most wonderful times of the year.
Sure, it's bitter cold and everything's covered in snow and ice. But those same elements also make possible a whole range of outdoor activities unavailable at other times. What's more, they make year-round forms of exercise like running more enjoyable.
Here are a few of my favorite winter workouts, along with tips for those thinking of braving the cold for the first time. Don't worry. I promise not to include shoveling.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
When snow starts to fall, my first thought is always the same. I don't care about roads or school closings. I want to know if there'll be enough to permit skiing. Cross-country skiing, that is.
That's because, along with running, cycling, and rowing, cross-country skiing ranks in my mind as one of the best and most rewarding forms of exercise.
Truly, there are few things in life better than hitting the trails on a sunny but cold day, breathing brisk air, and traversing miles of forest with no sound other than that of your sliding skis. I've honestly thought of moving somewhere far north, just so I could ski more often.
Here in Northeast Ohio, it helps to have your own skis. That way you can take advantage of places like the Metroparks, the Towpath Trail, and my favorite spot, Holden Arboretum. (Or get down to the store on snowy days before the snowplows arrive.)
But if you're new to the sport, or only an occasional participant, know that rentals are available at two locations: the winter sports center near Peninsula in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center, in the Lake Metroparks. Both also serve as beautiful places to ski.
DOWNHILL SKIING
You don't need me to tell you that downhill skiing is fun. Or that it counts as exercise. Especially if you're a scaredy-cat like me and exert far more effort than is necessary.
For me, a day on the slopes is every bit as exhausting (and ultimately invigorating) as a day spent at the gym, working every part of my body. I end up with wobbly legs, fatigued arms, a pounding heart, and a base layer drenched in sweat.
Happily, too, I don't need to go far to get my fix. Advanced skiers look to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana; I only have look to Boston Heights, Chesterland, or western New York.
RUNNING
Surprise, surprise: I like to run outside in winter. Why? Because I run hot, and the cold keeps me from overheating.
The trick is to know what you're doing. Specifically, what to wear.
Chafing is enemy no. 1. Combat it by applying a balm like Body Glide on all your hot spots. Armpits, crotch, waistline, thighs, and nipples. Over the latter, when I plan to run long, I even stick two pieces of masking tape.
Next comes a base layer: a pair of tight compression shorts and a tight, short-sleeved, sweat-wicking shirt. Over these, running tights and a long-sleeve thermal shirt. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, browse the Under Armour catalog for "Cold Gear."
Often, that's all I need. On bitter cold or windy days, however, I sometimes also don a light wind-breaker. Ideally, something brightly colored. Last but not least: a good pair of thermal running gloves and a tight running beanie.
I might also wear special shoes, depending on the conditions and where I plan to run. If I'm running roads and all is clear, my regular shoes are fine. If it's snowy or icy, however, or I plan to run trails, I'll wear trail shoes. If it's really nasty, I throw on a pair of YakTrax.
CYCLING
Plenty of hardy souls keep on riding their bikes right through winter. To them I say bravo.
Me, I don't have the nerve. It's tough enough out there between pot-holes and distracted drivers. I don't need the additional worry of black ice.
I do, however, ride fat bikes. When the weather and my mood and schedule align, I head straight down to Century Cycles in Peninsula, rent a bike with enormous, knobby tires, and go for a ride on the snowy towpath trail.
The pleasure is akin to cross-country skiing. I usually have the place to myself, and fat bikes dash through the snow faster than a one-horse open sleigh.
HIKING
Like running, hiking is one of those activities I think gets better in winter.
Yes, I have to dress differently and conditions can be dicey. But without leaves in the trees, the views can be spectacular, and in cold temperatures, my endurance increases substantially.
I'm far from the only one who feels this way. Even a quick glance at the Cleveland Hiking Club's website makes it clear that devoted hikers keep on trucking through the snow. On whatever day you're reading this, including Christmas, I guarantee are more than people than you might think out there leading hikes and pounding the trails all over Northeast Ohio.
No expertise or superior fitness required. (Good boots and proper winter gear, however, would be advisable.) All you need to do is show up and be ready to enjoy some of the simplest and best exercise in nature.