Colder weather can be a deterrent from getting physical activity, especially when the temps dip below freezing.
While not all winter activities require a love of extreme weather, there are abundant options for those of us who have seemingly unlimited access to both snow and ice.
We’ve all heard that exercise is an important part of caring for diabetes, which is why it is one of the keystones in diabetes management. For adults, the American Diabetes Association recommends:
- 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity
- Resistance training at least twice per week
These recommendations are based on a number of high quality studies that revealed regular physical activity improves blood sugar control, blood lipids, blood pressure and may prevent or delay the onset of chronic complications caused by diabetes.
For a variety of reasons, not many people—those living or not living with diabetes—actually achieve these recommendations.
If you’re bored with your existing routine or needing some inspiration for how to stay active this winter, check out the chart below for some new ideas and great ways to burn calories this winter.
Activity | Calories burned, per 30 minutes (150-pound person) |
Snow shoveling | 223 |
Cross country skiing | 298 |
Snowshoeing | 225 |
Rock climbing | 347 |
Indoor swimming | 372 |
Ice skating | 260 |
Yoga (hatha type) | 149 |
Downhill skiing | 223 |
Pilates | 252 |
Ballroom dance | 374 |
Exercise routine DVD/YouTube | 260 |
Cleaning house | 167 |
Sledding | 250 |
Mall walking | 186 |
Weight lifting | 112 |
Happy to see that you’ve included rock climbing in your list. It’s an excellent way to get out and build lean muscle! For anyone interested in getting started, please check out Higher Ground, Inside Moves, or my personal favorite, Terra Firm Bouldering Co.
Awesome! Thanks, Isaac, for the additional resources! 🙂