Way back in 2018, I wrote a blog post about exercising or being physically active outside. I had been talking to some friends about how expensive gym memberships could be and thought people might enjoy some information about how beneficial (and free!) it can be to get moving outdoors! 

I am still a big fan of outdoor exercise and have been walking my dog around our neighborhood most evenings lately, despite the early sunset and cold temps. 

However, there is a point where even Dakota and I will choose the warmth of home over the cold winter nights. The good news is that staying inside doesn’t mean I have to stop moving! In fact, I typically exercise both outside and inside throughout the year. So, if you had been exercising outside but have struggled to continue to do so as the weather cools, here are some tips to keep you moving from the comfort of your own home! 

The biggest tip I have is don’t feel like you have to go it alone. Sometimes, one of the hardest parts of exercise can be figuring out what exactly you are going to do. 

• YouTube can be an excellent resource to help you figure out your plan for being active that day. Although, there are so many options on YouTube that it can be a little overwhelming. 
• If you need some extra direction, check out this list of recommendations from Good Housekeeping. 
• Some videos you find might seem intimidating, but don’t stress! You can definitely keep the indoor exercise simple by walking around your house while you listen to music or walking in place while you watch TV, no video needed! 

Regardless of how you choose to exercise, remember that the most important part is that we keep moving because exercise is an important part of staying healthy. 

Another tip is to make sure your home exercise is going to be safe for you. 

• You may want to talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure your body can handle the exercise you want to do. 
• Additionally, once you are doing the exercise, don’t do anything that you think might cause you to get hurt. Trust your body, if something doesn’t feel right it is better to stop or modify what you are doing than keep going and get injured. 
• Another safety consideration for indoor exercise is the space where you exercise. You should try and clear the area of any extra furniture, cords, or anything that might cause you to trip and fall. It is also a good idea to wear shoes when exercising indoors (unless you are doing something like yoga) so that you don’t slip and fall. 
• A final thing to keep in mind is to consider having a phone nearby, especially if you are at home alone. Falls can happen, so be sure you have a way to contact someone if you were to get hurt. 

Overall, staying moving is important! Taking the proper precautions can help you keep your exercise routine going smoothly (and safely) even as you transition inside to escape the cold. So, this winter, having no gym is no problem, you can be active at home!