Bundle up, babe. We’ve got a fun workout that’s gonna get
you outside and moving around. But you don’t have to have a snow day to make
these moves work for ya: every exercise can be done on a plain ol’ day, too.
If it’s actually cold where you live, start by pulling on layers. Spandex pants
(with sweats over them, if it’s freezing), a base shirt (like a tee or
long-sleeve), fleece and then a jacket. You can always peel layers off if you
get cold. Pop on a hat and gloves if necessary. It’s actually snowy outside?
Pull on your best boots with treads—you don’t want to slip and fall while
you’re running around. If you are running around on the fluffy stuff, make sure
there’s grass (not pavement) underneath ya. Be careful, babe!
The Get Warm-up
It’s not good to go from freezing to a full-on sprint
Start by jogging around your yard or neighborhood for five minutes. Thinking
warm thoughts (hello, tropical island) or singing your fave carols will keep
you mind off the cold.
Once you’re warmed up, start in on the fun stuff.
Sleigh Pulls
Channel Santa while you toast some cals
Got snow? Find a friend or sib and take turns pulling each other around on a
sled. Vary your speeds and see if they can hang on while you sprint it out. Got
bare ground? Head to a nearby hill. Sprint up the hill and jog down the hill
for two minutes. Give yourself a quick breather and repeat three more times.
Reindeer Relay
Take flight with some leg-strengthening leaps and bounds
Find a flat patch of land and measure out 25 yards (just eyeball it—it’s about
a ¼ of a soccer field). Then, skip across the space, making sure you catch lots
of air along the way. Repeat for 1 minute. Take a quick breather and then
repeat 3 more times.
Abominable Snowman Lunges
This beast is known for lumbering around. Take his lead (sorta) and you’ll
tone your butt and thighs
Start on your flat spot and take a big step forward with your left foot. Bend
both knees and lunge down, ensuring your knee doesn’t go over your ankle. When
you rise back up to start, step forward with your right foot. Keep walking that
way for two minutes. Want a cardio warm-up? If it’s not slippery, try
plyometric lunges, where you jump in between each lunge instead of walking
along.
Jumping Jack Frosts
Some old-school P.E. moves get your heart going again
Do five sets of 10 jumping jacks. Want a break in between? Do some sprints for
an extra boost.
The Cool Down
Jog around your neighborhood for 5 minutes. If you start to get cold, go back
inside and stretch out with a few yoga moves. A cup of tea when you’re done
hydrates ya.
BY KATIE ABBONDANZA ON 12/17/2010 11:20:00 AM
POSTED IN health, fitness, happy holidays, winter