Experts Share Ways to Stay Active Indoors as Winter Approaches

As colder weather arrives, health professionals are offering advice on maintaining physical activity levels when outdoor exercise becomes more challenging.

Experts suggest several strategies for staying active during the fall and winter months. Dr. Aaron Baggish, a professor of medicine at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, recommends utilizing indoor space by walking loops through rooms or along hallways. “You can get a good 20-to-30-minute walk just in your house without going anywhere,” Baggish said. For those with stairs, Catherine Hagan Vargo, a physical therapist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, suggests stair-walking as a beneficial exercise, adjusting repetitions based on individual fitness levels. Maintaining physical activity is crucial for overall health, especially as daylight hours decrease and seasonal affective disorder becomes more prevalent.

Beyond the home, options include indoor chores like shoveling snow and raking leaves – activities Gerard Burley, a wellness strategist, notes utilize multiple muscle groups – and utilizing public spaces. Baggish highlighted shopping malls and grocery stores as accessible resources for indoor walking, suggesting visits during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and temptation to shop. For those seeking a more engaging activity, a dance party at home can provide both cardio and a mental health boost, with research linking moderate-intensity dance to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Small changes at work, like using distant printers or water fountains, can also contribute to daily step counts.

Officials also caution about safety, particularly when shoveling snow, which can strain the body and potentially lead to heart problems. Baggish advises those at risk of imbalance to use walking sticks or canes when walking outdoors, and to be mindful of slippery surfaces. For more information on winter safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials emphasize the importance of intentional movement throughout the colder months and encourage individuals to find activities they enjoy to maintain consistent physical activity levels.