10 reasons why
winter is a good
time to work out
Soak in some sun
It can be hard to find some sun in
winter, but regularly getting outdoors
around midday to roll up your sleeves
and exercise can help give your body
a boost of Vitamin D. Remember to
use sun protection when the UV
index measures 3 or above and
all year round in the snow.
Boost energy
Who needs Red Bull when you’ve
got exercise? Research shows that
regular exercise can help you feel
more energised. Goodbye wnter
blues; hello ready for Spring!
Sleep like a baby
When it’s freezing outside and
the house is overheated, it can
be difficult to get to sleep. But
guess what? Exercise can help with
sleep too. Tired muscles can help
your body fall asleep more quickly
in order to repair overnight.
Join a team
Change your
body shape
Arnie, eat your heart out. Consistent,
challenging exercise can increase
muscle mass while decreasing fat
so you become stronger and leaner.
Stress less
Goodbye calories
Put down that bottle of red wine.
There’s a healthier way to unwind
in winter and all year round, and it’s
called exercise. For some, a good
workout can be more relaxing than
a hundred zen gardens, so get to it.
Exercise helps raise your
metabolism to get your body
burning calories and the more
lean body mass you have, the more
you can burn throughout the day.
Getting more bang for your buck?
Yes, please.
Love yourself
When it’s cold and miserable outside
it can be pretty hard to feel good
about yourself inside. Luckily, nailing
winter exercise goals can be great for
your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Meet mates
Winter fun runs, gyms, boot camps
and the snowfields can be great places
to meet people (and complain about
the cold together).
Hello happy
As Elle Woods once said, ‘Exercise
gives you endorphins. Endorphins
make you happy.’ A great winter
workout might leave you feeling
happier than you do at the
start of a long weekend
(which is seriously happy).
There’s a ton of winter sports that
are seriously fun. From soccer to
skiing to AFL, break a sweat and
make friends while doing it.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Exercise and stress:
Get moving to manage stress [online]. [Last updated 21 July 2012; accessed 21 July 2014].
Available from: www.mayoclinic.org
Jason Ibrahim is an enthusiastic Bupa Health and Lifestyle Coach and AMP’s Health
and Wellbeing Manager. With over 15 years’ experience working in corporate health,
Jason has presented coaching seminars, lifestyle programs and exercise programs
for a number of leading companies.
Disclaimer
This information has been reviewed for Bupa by health professionals and to the best of their
knowledge is current and based on reputable sources of medical research. It should be used
as a guide only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other
health professional advice. Bupa HI Pty Ltd (and its related entities) makes no warranties or
representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the recommendations or assessments
and is not liable for any loss or damage you suffer arising out of the use of or reliance on the
information, except that which cannot be excluded by law. We recommend that you consult your
doctor or other qualified health professional if you have questions or concerns about your health.