Don’t let the sub zero temps stop you from getting your sweat on
Staying fit while keeping cosy? Challenge accepted.
Long nights and chilly days are not always the best recipe for productivity when it comes to doing exercise, staying active and eating well. But, instead of just dragging your duvet from your bedroom to your sofa this season, let us suggest four unusual ways you can get your heart rate up that are definitely worth wrapping up for.
The first step? Ensuring you’re well-fuelled with enough protein to keep you going during each exercise — but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on that front too…
Pupilates
Yup, that’s puppy pilates. Imagine the scene: you’ve got a gym ball clenched between your thighs while an additional weight is put on your stomach, except this particular weight happens to be an adorable doggo. No complaints here, right?
Pupilates is the latest exercise to try with a small dog, whether that’s your own or another class member’s pup running havoc around the studio. Of course, the dog-filled environment is one to take with a pinch of salt — as obviously no pet is likely to stay on a single Pilates mat for too long — but pooch-lovers are guaranteed to enjoy the 80/20 ratio of exercise-to-canine cuddles, while buzzing off of the puppy energy in the room.
Rebounding classes
Think mini, individual trampolines and maximum fun (and endorphins). This heavy workout of cardio and muscular endurance will build up your coordination and balance without straining your joints, since it’s low impact. Jumping on a trampoline also helps with lymphatic circulation (which assists your body with filtering out toxins) as well as strengthening your heart and lungs. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash your inner child and jump up, jump up and get down!
Bouldering
Ever heard the saying, that if you want a rock-hard body, you better go rock climbing? Okay, neither have we, but indoor rock climbing (AKA bouldering) is the perfect high-intensity exercise for anyone trying to strengthen muscle. Not only is it a fun workout you can do at your own pace and skill level, it’ll also help you build up body awareness, general balance and mental grit. That all sounds pretty good to us, TBH.
Surfset fitness
Can’t get to water or waves right now? No problem. You can still reap the beachy benefits of being a surfer dude (without the wipeouts) in the comfort of your own city. Surfset fitness uses dynamic moves on a wobble board to promote good balance and lean limbs. You’ll experience a swishing motion from side to side, whilst perfecting your ‘lying on belly to standing up on the board’ transitions.
And finally, if you really don’t fancy leaving your local area in the near future, make sure to take advantage of fresh, clear sky days by embracing some brisk park walks. Or, you know, dust off those trusty roller skates and knee pads and pretend you’re in an American teen sitcom by rolling around with a suitable 00s soundtrack…
