Photo courtesy of Compfight
With the weather cooling down and the snow rolling in, you may be looking for winter-appropriate ways of getting the exercise you need. Unlike the warmer months, you have to find activities that work well with the cold, can accommodate a cumbersome coat and thick layers, and other things of that nature. Living in a one or two bedroom apartment means that space is at a premium, so clunky treadmills and other large equipment aren’t really an option. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to stay active in Boulder.
In case you need a little help finding the perfect new routine, here’s a few of our favorites – all located within a convenient distance of our apartment complex.
Ice Skating
What’s more appropriate this time of year than ice skating? This family-friendly sport is great for all ages, and you won’t even feel like you’re working out (…until you get home, anyway). Because it’s low impact, it’s an ideal option for tenants with joint problems. Skating is especially good for improving coordination and balance, and it gives your legs a phenomenal workout. With the closest skating rink only fifteen minutes away on the University of Colorado campus, residents of The Habitat Apartments have easy access to a newly renovated facility. Ice skating is one of the most convenient options around for those who regularly think outside the box when it comes to their fitness schedules.
Skiing/Snowboarding
One of the many perks of living in Boulder is the easy access to world-class slopes throughout the Rocky Mountains. With resorts like Arapahoe Basin, Eldora, and Winter Park just a short drive away, we’d be crazy to leave skiing and snowboarding off of our list. Enjoy your weekends on the snow with one of the many winter ski passes available in Colorado; you definitely won’t regret it. Don’t have anyone to ride with? There’s even an app that will help you find like-minded individuals to join in on the fun. In addition to the social aspects, the sport’s 400+ calories burned per hour make it a really awesome workout, too. Your core, quads, and calf muscles will get super toned, so you’ll be ready for swim season next spring and summer.
Snowshoeing
Looking for something that’s low impact, and doesn’t involve a lot of risk? Snowshoeing just may be your answer. According to Dr. Ray Browning of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado’s Health Science Center, “Snowshoeing is the best bang-for-your-buck, fat-burning workout in winter.” This activity has the ability to burn up to 1000 calories per hour. Being Boulderites, we inherently love hiking. This sport just takes that same passion and adapts it for the winter conditions. Go for a walk on your own or with family and friends. You’ll enjoy that feeling of floating on top of the snow, thanks to the added surface area from your shoes. Chautauqua Park is an easy option that’s nearby and often perfectly dusted with snow.
These three winter activities around the Boulder area are sure to keep you fit during the colder months. We live in Colorado, where you can find some of the best powder in the nation. Take advantage of what is available in and around our apartment community. Overcoming the cold is just as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one. If you can train your mind to appreciate the snow and take advantage of the opportunities around you, we’re confident this season will be your fittest one yet.