Let it Flow

Winter in New England (specifically in my case, Boston) is cold and snowy. I heard that Vermont is experiencing record crowds because of record snowfall (over last 10 years). If you ski, you’re happy and you’re staying active. If you don’t ski, what are you doing to stay active AND get some fresh air during winter?

ARE YOU HIBERNATING?
Bears hibernate, people, technically do not. However, the more people I meet the more I learn that some really do hibernate in winter. Recently I was talking to a new client and she said “Well, I like to walk, so I’m looking forward to spring.”

“Why can’t you walk in winter?” I responded. The look on her face was priceless and was if she said “What? Walk in winter? I’ve never thought of such a thing.”

HOW I LEARNED TO ENJOY WINTER.
Admittedly, I only started enjoying winter about 5 or 6 years ago when I met my husband, a 4-season outdoor guy. Rain, snow, sleet or shine he had the gear and the excitement to be outside. Initially I responded similarly with “I don’t go outside in winter, I don’t like to be cold.” I still don’t like to be cold. What he did next ensured that would never happen. He bought me all the gear I’d need to enjoy outdoor activities, rain snow sleet or shine.

UGH.

I told him “I refuse to downhill ski, but I’ll try anything else.” That was a satisfactory response. And now, while I still prefer spring, summer and fall, winter has become a lot more manageable. Here’s what I’ve learned about playing outside instead of hibernating during winter:

SCENERY
There is nothing quite like a fresh batch of snow cover on the lawn, in the parks in the trees to brighten up my senses. The bright white again the blue sky is truly breathtaking. You cannot get that scene any old time. You need winter.

These pictures were taken during our recent snowshoe walk at World’s End in Hingham. We got there early enough to make first tracks!

And don’t underestimate the wild life! It was fun to see tracks in the snow and guess what may have come through (most were dog tracks, but still there are deer and coyote at this park!)

COOL CRISP AIR
Summers are hot and humid making the air quality feel not so stellar. There is nothing like a deep breath in the crisp clean air of winter (note: I have temperature limits and am pretty good outside in 20 degrees or above. Anything less and I hibernate mainly because of how the air affects my lungs. )

This picture was taken during our walk at Webb State Park in Weymouth, MA. The sky was so blue - I look at this picture and can really feel the crispness in the air. The colors are so inviting to me!

THE WORKOUT!
Walking on snow is definitely more challenging than walking on a dirt or paved path. Talk about a leg workout - it works! Snowshoeing is something I tried for the first time this year and really enjoyed it. It works my legs in a very different way than walking or jogging - great cross training! I have yet to go cross country skiing, so check back for my review in the next couple of weeks after my weekend in Vermont.

Here I am “resting” long enough for a picture. This is World’s End, Hingham, MA.

This is one weekend of winter fun we had recently. It’s not necessary to hibernate in winter - get outside, get active, face any fears you may have about cold weather! Hit a local outdoor store (REI, EMS) for all the gear you could possibly need. There is so much to experience during winter in Boston, why miss it? At least try it once before making any judgments. If you still don’t like it, hibernate then, and I’ll see you in the Spring.

What kind of snowy winter activities do you enjoy? Have fears about getting outside during winter? Tell us! Also, stay tuned for my post on winter gear - that will get you going!

Tags: Fitness and Exercise, Hiking and Outdoor Activities //