How To Love Fitness (Even In The Bitter Cold Of Winter)

By: Jackie Confalone

There is a lot happening in February. Wait … what? February?

Groundhog Day, President’s Day, African American History, Women’s History, Heart Month, the Super Bowl, Chinese New Year, World Nutella Day (yes, really), and one of my favorites, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (February 5th if you want to participate. Yes, please!).

Of course, most people think of Valentine’s Day, which coincides with Singles’ Awareness Day. Valentine’s Day is not just red rose bouquets, romantic dinners, chocolates, and candy hearts, but a day (or week) to share our hearts and show our love for someone else.

But maybe more important than showing our love to someone else is taking care of our bodies and working toward being more fit so we can love them better. Are you taking the time to do that? Yes, it takes time and energy, but the benefits you reap can last a lifetime.

“But it’s bitter cold,” you say, “and I just want to hit snooze and stay in my toasty, warm bed.” Or perhaps you’ve had a long day at work, and when you step outside, your mind wants to take your body home to a nice, warm fireplace, that Netflix series you’re binging, and your cozy slippers.

I can relate to the first situation, as I’m not a morning person, and I hit snooze as many times as possible until I absolutely must get out of bed. I live for cozy warmth, the kind I get on the beach feeling the warm sand between my toes, the sun on my body, the waves lapping at the shore, and a cool drink in my hand. But I digress.

Every year when winter hits, even the most motivated fitness fan finds the snooze button a lot more alluring. It is harder to stay active in the winter. For me, it can take more effort to get ready, lace up my sneakers, and get out the door than it does to do a workout.

So, what helps me get out that door and into Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex to work out?

1) As an actively aging woman, I love that I’m keeping my heart and my body fit by working out several times a week. I want to be able to get down and play with our grandchildren, lift and carry the little ones, jump on their trampoline, and walk with them all the way through the zoo. Also, heart disease runs in our family, so I want to keep my heart in the best shape possible. Aerobic exercise (running, walking, elliptical trainer, stationary bike, cardio fitness and SilverSneakers classes) improves circulation, which results in lowered blood pressure and heart rate, so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Aerobic exercise also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and if you already live with diabetes, it helps you control your blood sugar.

2) I know how great I’ll feel after my workout. Not only do I get a shot of endorphins from getting my heart rate up, but I also feel a sense of accomplishment for choosing to exercise over my desire to stay in my warm, cozy bed. A shot of what? Endorphins are chemicals released by your brain when you exercise that elevate your mood and reduce your perception of pain, stress, and anxiety. I’ll take a double shot of that!

3) My friends on the workout floor or in class will miss me. If you come to Body Zone about the same time each day or if you attend the same group fitness classes, you will see the same people — a lot — and begin making friends. When I’m not there, they ask me where I was the next time they see me, and I will miss some good conversations. Everything’s more fun with friends, including workouts, and they make your workout time fly by.

4) It can alleviate pain, depression and anxiety. I have three chronic illnesses that often bring with them pain, extreme fatigue, joint aches, headaches, anxiety, and brain fog. And there are some days that staying in bed or on the recliner is what’s best for me. But most days, I feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally if I do some kind of workout, and I adjust it depending on the symptoms. It may be gentle yoga, Tai Chi, or chair yoga class. Other days when energy is more abundant, I might do a step, cycle, or BODYPUMP class. Movement can improve your level of depression, anxiety, or pain. Recent studies show that the connection between your brain and your body is a two-way street, and that means that movement can change your brain too!

I have other reasons I exercise, but these are the primary motivators that get me out of bed, through the cold (and sometimes snow), and into Body Zone to work out.

So, brave the cold weather and come warm up at Body Zone. You will not only be warmer, but you will be taking steps to be more fit physically, mentally, and socially.

Body Zone will love you back with these FREE member programs in February:
– Body Zone Does Your Heart Good MYZONE Challenge
– Body Zone Does Your Heart Good Wellness Calendar
– Lunch & Learn: The Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation by Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
– Free Personal Training offering 30-minute Personal Training Sessions + an InBody USA Body Composition Screening (through February 4)

The cold will be here for a while, but so are we! If you participate in Ice Cream for Breakfast Day or overindulge in sweets on Valentine’s Day, we’re here to help you burn off some of those calories. So don’t hit the snooze button or go home after work. Make coming to Body Zone something you love!

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About Jackie Confalone:
Although retired from full-time work, Jackie is a freelance writer and has been a group fitness instructor for more than 35 years, the last 13 at Body Zone. She particularly loves working with seniors and people with chronic illnesses. She is nationally certified as a personal trainer and instructor for group fitness, Les Mills BODYFLOW, Pilates and SilverSneakers.