HOW TO STAY ACTIVE IN COLD WEATHER

Because of its proximity to the Canadian border, Idaho Falls can get cold for extended periods during winter. Average high temperatures in winter run in the 20s and 30s, with at times a blustery wind blowing in from the Arctic region. For as cold as it typically gets in winter, Idaho Falls, like the rest of the United States, went into a deep freeze in January of 2024 when daily high temperatures sometimes did not get out of the single digits.

The deep freeze of January 2024 made it difficult for outdoor enthusiasts to stay active by enjoying the great outdoors. However, during more typical winters, knowing how to stay active in cold weather starts by enjoying a wide variety of outdoor activities. Like the rest of Idaho Falls, the residents at our assisted living facility enjoy the same outdoor activities to stay active in winter.

How to Stay Active in Cold Weather While Outdoors

Staying active while outdoors in winter delivers several benefits. You do not have to deal with heat and humidity, which can be energy drainers during the summer months. Since you can work out longer outdoors during winter, you might be able to burn more calories. For those sensitive to sunlight, staying active outdoors allows them to take in smaller doses of the sun’s rays. During cold and flu season, outdoor exercises also can boost your immunity.

What are some of the most popular activities outdoors in cold weather? Brisk walks do a great job of pumping up the body’s circulatory system. Doing chores such as raking leaves and shoveling snow works out a wide variety of muscles to increase strength. When snow starts to fall in the area, many of the residents at our senior living center in Idaho Falls enjoy activities like sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. The key is to stay warm while outdoors by wearing layers to trap body heat.

How to Stay Active in Cold Weather While Indoors

Even if Idaho Falls does not experience an especially cold stretch like the residents of retirement communities did in January of 2024, winter in this part of the country can include at least one stretch when staying active indoors makes more sense. You have many options to stay active indoors during winter without having to join a gym or fitness center. To get the most out of indoor activities, wearing a backpack or hand weights increases the resistance level of certain exercises.

Mall walking has emerged as one of the most popular ways to stay active indoors during cold weather. Not only do you get a solid workout, but you also get to socialize with other walkers. Socialization is important for residents of retirement communities in Idaho Falls. You can invest in a home workout circuit or use the fitness center at our assisted living facility. Indoor activities such as bowling and ice skating help you stay active indoors while at the same time getting your competitive juices flowing. Climbing stairs at home firm up the leg muscles. Even household chores like sweeping and vacuuming are effective at keeping seniors active when it is too cold to go outdoors.

Stay Active at MorningStar at Idaho Falls

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week to improve the quality of life. At our senior living center in Idaho Falls, we offer residents plenty of opportunities to stay active in cold weather both indoors and outdoors.