As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, Ohioans are forced to stay indoors, even those who spend time outdoors exercising.
The changing seasons make it more difficult to stay active, but experts tell The Dispatch that there are many ways people can stay active through winter and spring.
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“We know people are less active in the winter in Columbus,” says Julie Wilkes, a local fitness expert and motivation coach. ”
With that in mind, here’s how people in Central Ohio can stay active indoors as winter arrives.
join the gym
One of the easiest ways to keep exercising when you can’t go outside is to get a gym membership.
Located in downtown Long Street, Pro’s Gym offers training opportunities for both professionals and novices, said operating manager Jephta Lawson. Newcomers are not alone. Memberships often spike before the holidays, Lawson says, because people start making their New Year’s resolutions ahead of schedule.
But there’s more to working out than just losing weight, Lawson said.
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“For one thing, it’s good for you…but it can also produce endorphins that help you sidestep seasonally effective obstacles.” It helps.”
According to Lawson, cardio such as running, biking, and walking are important activities to include in your workout when you join the gym.
However, Lawson said people should be careful not to overdo it. I have seen many people disappear.
Lawson suggested meeting with a personal trainer a few times as a way to establish a routine that won’t overwhelm you. Overall, people need to take it easy on themselves, says Lawson.
“Mondays and Tuesdays are always busy because everyone feels guilty about what they did over the weekend,” Lawson said. When you’re first starting out, you want your body to get used to the extra workload.”
yoga, pilates, dance
Instead of joining the gym this winter, you can join a class.
Seven Studios in Grandview Heights offers a variety of options, including Pilates, dance classes and yoga, says owner Wilkes.
After the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, Wilkes said he planned to reopen the studio and offer workouts that he wouldn’t necessarily be able to do at home. One of those offerings is Trapeze Yoga. In this yoga, participants use bands to hang above the ground and pose in the air.
There are several types of yoga classes available throughout the Columbus area, which means there’s something for nearly everyone at every level of comfort, Wilkes said.
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If attempting aerial poses seems nerve-wracking or intimidating, Wilkes said Seven Studios offers courses for beginners, as well as relaxing classes aimed at meditation and relaxation. . High intensity classes are also available, she said.
Wilkes said yoga not only provides a good workout, but is an opportunity to connect with people, which can go a long way toward improving someone’s mental health.
“[Yoga classes]create a community. I think that’s one of the great things about it. …It’s great to see that kind of energy,” Wilkes said.
be creative at home
Tyler Yee, fitness leader at OhioHealth’s Neuroscience Wellness Center, says there are many things you can do and use at home if you don’t want to invest in expensive exercise equipment.
According to Yee, tension bands are cheap and easy to buy online and can be used in place of weights. Yi joked that he had seen
Yee said the best substitute for weights might be an empty jug of laundry detergent. He said people can fill it with water as much as they like, and the mug provides an easy-to-hold handle that people can use.
“I think 2020 has shown us all that little can do a lot, and that the same concepts can be applied when you don’t have a lot of time or resources.
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Stairs are also helpful for those trying to work out at home, says Yee. Besides climbing stairs, Yee said he can use it to lift someone while doing push-ups or lunges.
For active Ohioans looking for more specific things to do at home, Yee suggested that they consider attending an online fitness class.
There are a variety of at-home fitness classes available for people, including options from Apple, Fitbit, and Peloton. Paying for classes can help motivate people to take responsibility for themselves, Yee said.
Either way, the most important thing, Yi said, is finding workouts that people look forward to.
“Set realistic expectations for yourself and make sure it’s something you enjoy,” said Yi.
mfilby@dispatch.com
@Max Philby
