Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
I knew running would be possible on the slick streets with the proper footwear, which I have (HOKA trail shoes and YakTrax). But I also knew that getting in the mileage I wanted was going to take forever, as I'd have to dramatically slow the pace for safety reasons, and I wanted to use my time stuck at home to complete some projects my husband and I had been putting off. So instead of counting miles, I decided to count effort. And let me tell you, I enjoyed myself so much that I'll be doing more hiking and winter walking this winter.
I not only hiked all the hills in my neighborhood numerous times over the weekend, but joined my husband on the trails for some swift winter walking and some serious observation of nature. I didn't go out for a set amount of miles but for a set time of two hours. And time well spent!
That being said, let's look at some of the benefits of winter walking and hiking and why you should make it part of your seasonal routine:
Boost Your Cardiovascular Health
The crisp air and colder temperatures encourage your heart to work more efficiently, improving circulation and building endurance. A brisk walk in winter is a heart-healthy way to stay active.
The crisp air and colder temperatures encourage your heart to work more efficiently, improving circulation and building endurance. A brisk walk in winter is a heart-healthy way to stay active.
Strengthen Muscles and Joints
Snowy or uneven terrain activates stabilizer muscles that don’t get much use on flat surfaces, improving balance and joint strength. As we age, staying active and mobile is essential for long-term health, and winter walking is a perfect way to do that.
Snowy or uneven terrain activates stabilizer muscles that don’t get much use on flat surfaces, improving balance and joint strength. As we age, staying active and mobile is essential for long-term health, and winter walking is a perfect way to do that.
Boost Your Immune System
Exposure to colder weather can stimulate your immune system, helping you stay strong against seasonal illnesses. It’s like a natural, refreshing workout for your body’s defenses.
Exposure to colder weather can stimulate your immune system, helping you stay strong against seasonal illnesses. It’s like a natural, refreshing workout for your body’s defenses.
Winter walking generally burns more calories than summer walking because the body works harder to maintain its core temperature in cold weather, a process known as thermogenesis. Shivering, added clothing weight, and walking in snow increase energy expenditure, with studies suggesting potential increases of up to 34% more calories burned in colder conditions.
Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Short winter days can leave us feeling low, but natural light—even on cloudy days—helps boost serotonin and energy levels. Getting outdoors for a walk can be one of the most effective ways to counteract the winter blues.
Short winter days can leave us feeling low, but natural light—even on cloudy days—helps boost serotonin and energy levels. Getting outdoors for a walk can be one of the most effective ways to counteract the winter blues.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
There’s something undeniably calming about a quiet winter landscape. The crunch of snow underfoot, the sight of frosty trees, or the sparkle of sunlight on ice can be a balm for the soul, helping to ease stress and anxiety.
There’s something undeniably calming about a quiet winter landscape. The crunch of snow underfoot, the sight of frosty trees, or the sparkle of sunlight on ice can be a balm for the soul, helping to ease stress and anxiety.
Boost Endorphins and Mood
A walk in the brisk winter air triggers the release of “feel-good” hormones, leaving you energized and uplifted. I have never not felt better after getting outside to move in the winter. It's good for the mind, body, and spirit.
See Fewer People
Far fewer people hike in winter. That means far less crowds, and tons more solitude. This may not seem like a perk, but if you're constantly surrounded by people, solitude can be a priceless gift.
A walk in the brisk winter air triggers the release of “feel-good” hormones, leaving you energized and uplifted. I have never not felt better after getting outside to move in the winter. It's good for the mind, body, and spirit.
See Fewer People
Far fewer people hike in winter. That means far less crowds, and tons more solitude. This may not seem like a perk, but if you're constantly surrounded by people, solitude can be a priceless gift.
Enjoy Incredible Scenery
The trail is so different when the ice and snow hits. On a winter hike, you’ll see things so differently. Check out the photo above of one of my favorite trails that runs adjacent to the Roubidoux River. The sub-zero temps created a unique view only seen this time of year. It makes getting outside so worth it!
See Winter-Only Views
Some views only open up in winter when the leaves are off the trees. One of the greatest benefits of winter hiking is that the number of peekaboo views and fresh angles on beloved scenes goes through the roof.
See Winter-Only Views
Some views only open up in winter when the leaves are off the trees. One of the greatest benefits of winter hiking is that the number of peekaboo views and fresh angles on beloved scenes goes through the roof.
Learn the Thousand Forms of Ice
Frozen water has so many forms, you don’t even know. Icicles are just the beginning.
Frozen water has so many forms, you don’t even know. Icicles are just the beginning.
Give Your Knees a Break
When the trail is covered in ice and snow, all those lump rocks are covered too — which means much less foot-pounding and ankle twisting. (Just make sure you have excellent traction.)
Give Your Ears a Treat
You don’t know the meaning of quiet until you’ve heard the quiet of a tree covered trail after snowfall. It’s as close to absolute silence as you can get outside of a lab or library. And it's a beautiful sound!!
You don’t know the meaning of quiet until you’ve heard the quiet of a tree covered trail after snowfall. It’s as close to absolute silence as you can get outside of a lab or library. And it's a beautiful sound!!
Alter Your Perception of Winter
Winter may not ever be your favorite season, but you don't have to hate it. Having the right gear means makes all the difference! Do your research and invest in some key items that will ensure you're able to get outside when the mercury drops and snow descends upon us again. After all, we have two more months of this.
Rise to The Challenge
There’s no question that winter hiking and walking is way more challenging than summer hiking and walking — and if you think that’s a benefit, you’re right! It not only helps you gain grit but it gives you Rockstar status in the eyes of those people who secretly wish they had the motivation to get outside and brave the elements. And who knows? By rising to the challenge, you just might inspire others to meet you out on the snow packed streets and trails.
There’s no question that winter hiking and walking is way more challenging than summer hiking and walking — and if you think that’s a benefit, you’re right! It not only helps you gain grit but it gives you Rockstar status in the eyes of those people who secretly wish they had the motivation to get outside and brave the elements. And who knows? By rising to the challenge, you just might inspire others to meet you out on the snow packed streets and trails.
And there you have it friends. Winter is a special time of year to get outside for so many reasons--reasons you can't understand until you experience them. So, bundle up and enjoy the season. You'll be so happy you did!
Happy Running! and walking and hiking!
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