Talking winter wellness during the pandemic with U of M

Eat less; move more; live longer remains mantra of this blog. That holds true 24/7/365. We need to do something absolutely every day.

Fall is well underway, and with it comes cooler temperatures, shorter days and even snow. For most of the United States, this spring and summer involved an incredibly different health and wellness routine. Gyms closed, indoor workouts required social distancing and masks, and outdoor activities reigned supreme. So what can we do to keep moving and stay well with the changing of the season? 

Beth Lewis, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Minnesota’s School of Kinesiology whose research focuses on the behavioral aspects of physical activity, offers advice on how to keep moving, get outside in the cooler weather, and how to make the most of the space you have. 

Q: How important is it for us to keep active this winter? Can we “take the season off?”
Prof. Lewis: It is never a good idea to take a season off because of the many physical and mental health benefits associated with exercise. However, it is a good idea to change your activity. It is normal to burn out on certain activities over time. Winter is a great time to change what you have been doing for exercise and recharge your motivation to move. Whether you decide to continue exercising outside (with layers and lights!) or move your workout routine inside to avoid low temperatures and icy conditions, consider mixing up your activities with the change of the season.