When the weather outside is frightful… spending time with Mother Nature can still be delightful! Should you attempt to slog through a 5K in a blizzard, or traverse a frozen trail after dark? (Oh, how we miss those later sunsets!) Of course not. Safety first! But just because the warm, welcoming days of spring and summer seem far away doesn't mean you should hunker down until sweater weather is in the rearview mirror. Here are some ways to keep your fitness goals on track during the winter months, and maybe even have a little fun while you're doing it.
Ice Skating
Indoor rinks have made it possible to channel your inner skating diva any time of year, but if unpacking your wooly hats and gloves during swimsuit season seems like too much of a hassle, there's no shame in waiting until wintertime to hit the ice. The Lehigh Valley has options both indoor (The Rink in Whitehall, Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem) and outdoor (Earl E. Schaffer Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink). If you're going old school and trying out a frozen pond or waterway near you, such as Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County, remember to test the thickness of the ice before venturing out on it. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says ice should be at least four inches thick if you're skating solo, or seven inches if you're bringing along some buddies.
The Benefits of Getting Outside in the Winter
- Soak up that Vitamin D! Cold temperatures or not, getting a little sunlight in your world may be key in avoiding seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that strikes during the winter months.
- You may be able to burn more calories in colder weather. Since you're not contending with the heat and humidity that can make your summertime workouts feel like a drag, you may be able to put in a few extra laps or reps.
- Exercise may boost your immunity during cold and flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just a few minutes of activity a day can help prevent simple bacterial and viral infections.
Snowshoeing
You might feel like a toddler wearing a pair of sneakers that are two sizes too big the first time you strap on a pair of snowshoes and try to make your way across a wintry landscape. But once you get the hang of it, you might enjoy your newfound ability to “float” on the snow—something the snowshoeing veterans call flotation. There's a serious calorie burn here, too—according to an independent study conducted by the University of Vermont, snowshoers can burn anywhere from 420 to 1,000 calories per hour. Get your feet wet (or snowy) at Promised Land State Park in Pike County. Snowshoes are available for loan from the park office with a photo ID, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., as long as there are six inches or more of snow on the ground.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind if You're Venturing Outside
- Layer up! A well-thought-out ensemble is your best defense against Mother Nature's chill. But avoid cotton if you can. Once cotton becomes wet with sweat, the moisture is trapped and will actually make you feel colder. For your first layer, pick something that wicks moisture away, like a high-performance, athletic fabric. From there, you can add a layer of something heavier, like fleece, and finish with a thin, waterproof layer.
- Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. According to the Mayo Clinic, early warning signs of frostbite include numbness, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation. For hypothermia, watch out for intense shivering, slurred speech and fatigue. Get out of the cold and seek medical care if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.
- Don't forget the sunscreen. Just because your flip-flops have been packed away for months doesn't mean you can't get a sunburn—especially if you're exercising in the snow or at a high altitude. The Mayo Clinic recommends wearing a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and a lip balm with sunscreen. Also, protect your eyes from snow and ice glare with dark glasses or goggles.
- Keep the fluids coming. Harvard Medical School says you are more likely to get dehydrated in cold weather because cold air tamps down thirst. Experts recommend drinking water before, during and after your workout.
Ice Fishing
Parking your derriere on a frozen pond for a couple hours might not do much for elevating your heart rate, but ice fishing can be just the pick-me-up your mental health needs—think quiet and tranquility amid a winter wonderland. But remember, any anglers 16 years and older will need a valid fishing license from the state. And checking the thickness of the ice ahead of time is a must. Some spots to try where the fish are (hopefully) biting: Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, Deep Creek Lake in Green Lane Park in Montgomery County and Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park in Berks County.
Trail Hiking (or Running or Walking)
Obviously, it's not advisable to attempt to traverse a rocky, tree-root-laden trail after any kind of weather event, but if the only thing stopping you from partaking in a wintertime hike (or run or walk) is the frosty temperatures, layer up and get out there! Consider the benefits: chances are, the trails will be much less crowded than in the warmer months, and the views will be different, too. Plus, won't a steaming hot cup of coffee or cocoa taste even better after you've earned that warm-up? Top spots to try: Lehigh County's Trexler Nature Preserve offers 18 miles of trails. There's also Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County, which offers several trails and loops of varying difficulty; and Jacobsburg State Park in Nazareth, with more than 18 miles of trails, including stretches that are approved for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Cross-Country Skiing
It's no secret that the many skiing and snowboarding resorts in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos offer an abundance of downhill trails—from bunny slopes to black diamonds and everything in between. But if you prefer your terrain a little flatter—and your pace a little slower—cross-country skiing might be your winter sport of choice. Places like Beltzville State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park in Carbon County offer miles of trails. If you're willing to travel a bit farther, Crystal Lake Ski and Outdoor Center in Sullivan County offers 30 kilometers of trails specifically groomed for cross-country skiers as well as equipment rentals for kids and adults. In terms of winter workouts, this one is hard to beat. Cross-country skiing is a cardio blast as well as a full-body muscle builder.
Snowtubing
Nothing says wintertime in Pennsylvania quite like keeping a white-knuckle hold on whatever sled or inner tube you dug out of the garage as you careen down a snow-covered hill while the world whizzes by. You might not burn many calories on the way down, but you certainly will on the trudge back up to the top. Of course, if you want to take some of the work out of it, leave it to the professionals: Blue Mountain, Bear Creek and Camelback are just a few of the resorts in the region that offer snow tubing for the whole family.
Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
- Ready to wield a broom in a whole new way? The Bucks County Curling Club in Warminster is looking for new members. They play year-round, with new league sessions starting every quarter.
- Check out the winter scenery in the Poconos like never before from the driver's seat (or passenger seat) of a UTV (utility task vehicle). Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours offers one-hour guided tours on the property of Pocono Raceway, which includes wooded trails, a challenge course and a close-up view of The Tricky Triangle itself.
- Mush! Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort may be the closest you'll ever get to experiencing the Iditarod. A UTV subs in for a sled if there's not enough snow on the ground. Bonus: BYOD (yes, Bring Your Own Dog) is an option if your furry friend is a certain Northern breed.
- No girls allowed? No way. The Lady Patriots operate out of the Bucks and Montgomery County area and are all about introducing girls and women to the world of ice hockey. They offer several teams and programs and welcome all ability levels.
