Have fun finding ways to burn calories and stay active while the temperatures outside plummet. (For Spectrum Health Beat)
Have fun finding ways to burn calories and stay active while the temperatures outside plummet. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

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