When it’s cold and dark outside, you might be tempted to snuggle up inside where it’s warm and cozy instead of venturing out to exercise. But staying active all year is important for your health and well-being. If you have children, it also sets a good example for them, especially if you do activities together.
Lake Health athletic trainers with Lake Health Sports Medicine team give these top tips for staying active during the winter:
- Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the parks. Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest Reservation in Kirtland rents equipment for a nominal fee.
- Build a snowman or snow fort. Or organize a neighborhood snowball fight.
- Go downhill sledding or just pull the kids on sleds on the sidewalk or around the yard.
- Go for a winter hike in one of the many parks in this area.
- Grab your family or friends to go ice skating inside or outside, depending on the weather. Some communities have outdoor ice rinks. But stay safe: don’t skate on ponds unless they’re prepared for skating by a recreation agency.
- Take a lesson in downhill skiing or snowboarding.
- Do an outdoor photo scavenger hunt.
- Shovel snow for those who are sick or elderly, remembering to shovel safely.
- Go snow tubing.
- Volunteer to walk the pets of older neighbors or someone in need.
- Go winter camping and learn survival skills.
- Or play broomball in an ice arena.
Whatever activity you choose, dress in layers, have fun and stay safe! If you do get injured while exercising outside this winter, remember that Lake Health has a Fast Track Sports Injury Clinic, held Monday through Friday from 7 am to 1 pm at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Wellness Campus. An athletic trainer will perform an evaluation and administer treatment in accordance with state laws and physician guidance. You can even check in online.
