Just because the leaves have disappeared doesn’t mean your fitness regime should too. And while there’s plenty of motivation to get fit for summer, exercising during the winter is incredibly important as it boosts your immunity during the cold and flu season. Just a few minutes a day can help fight off simple bacterial and viral infections. As tempting as it may be to spend your weekends on the couch wrapped in a blanket, getting active during winter is better than summer – no heat, humidity or flies. How can argue with that?
Here are 7 ways to take advantage of the crisp cool air:
1. Attend a hot yoga class
You’ve tried regular yoga, but what about Bikram yoga? Perfect for those frosty mornings or nippy evenings, this style of yoga will ensure that you’re feeling warmed up.
2. Rent an Airbike
Did you know Canberra has a bike sharing service? A successful 6 month trial in mid 2018 has resulted in a smattering of white bikes across the Parliamentary Zone, which include the city centre and the lake. Take advantage of the bikes now before they go the way of the Melbourne oBike and turn your walk around the lake into a ride. Simply download the Airbike app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, make an profile, connect a card and go!
3. Hit up the slopes
Us Canberran’s are blessed to live so close to the snow, whether you’re just looking to throw around some snowballs and do some tobogganing or you’re keen to strap on some skis and take a class. Perisher is perfect as it has both downhill and cross country trails – something for every skill level and interest.
For snow reports and lesson bookings: https://www.perisher.com.au
4. Ice skating
A classic winter activity, ice skating is a great way to get moving. Don’t have good balance? No worries! Take a friend, or a cute date. Skate in the City returns to Civic Square from 5 – 21 July
Phillip Ice Skating Rink session time information
5. Take on the Mt Ainslie Summit Trail
Canberra has so many beautiful walks that truly come alive with the autumn months. The Mount Ainslie Summit Trail is particularly beautiful, and if you’re feeling cold at the bottom, we promise you’ll be toasty by the time you reach the top.
With a view like that how can you not?
6. Youtube it
Don’t like leaving the house? Neither do we! Luckily there’s a plethora of videos on Youtube designed to help you raise your heart rate with little or no equipment. Some of our favourites include POPSUGAR Fitness for quick, heart raising, dance style workouts and Yoga With Adriene for yoga videos with specific physical and mental focuses.
7. Active housework like vacuuming and sweeping
If you really don’t want to exercise, try spring (ahem *winter*) cleaning your house with some active house work such as vacuuming and sweeping. Put on some funky tunes and neither the housework nor the exercise will feel like a chore. Bonus!
