As late fall transitions into early winter, seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as seasonal depression, begins to affect more than 10 million Americans. Regular exercise can be a beneficial way to maintain overall balanced mental health during the gray winter season.
Along with mental health benefits, outdoor fitness offers other advantages. There is no heat or humidity to deal with during the cooler weather, allowing people to exercise for longer periods of time. It is a great way to get exposure to sunlight, and it boosts immunity during flu season.
P.E. Teacher Luke Zavala says that during the winter, consistency is key.
“Even if you build great habits during the summer and into the fall, if you stop that in the winter, and decide you don’t want to go outside, it can be tough to get motivated and start that back up,” Mr. Zavala said, “so it’s important to try and remain consistent.”
After a trip to Iceland, Mr. Zavala came back with the saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only the incorrect clothing.”
“When the weather is cold, it doesn’t mean you have to stop,” Mr. Zavala said. “As long as you’re prepared, you can still do things the same way you did before.”
According to Mr. Zavala and the Cleavland Clinic, proper gear is essential for outdoor exercise in colder months. Layers are crucial and can be easily adjusted as needed. For the first layer, lightweight materials like polyester or polypropylene help moisture evaporate from a person’s skin. An insulating second layer made of wool or fleece to maintain body temperature can be helpful. An outer layer that is wind- and rain-repellent to protect from more extreme weather conditions completes layer three.
With more snow expected in Chicago this year, Mr. Zavala says that shoveling snow is a good way to exercise. Along with shoveling snow, there are other outside activities like hiking/brisk walking, running and ice skating.
For hiking and brisk walking, Jackson Park in Hyde Park offers a variety of trails, including tranquil paths with views of the Columbia Basin and Jackson Lagoon.
The Lakefront Trail is ideal for winter runs. Located on the city’s frontier, it spans the entire city, 18 miles of a car-free, well-maintained path. The scenic views of Lake Michigan are present along the entire trail.For a twist of fun to outdoor fitness, ice skating is an outdoor staple as the weather gets colder. Located between Jackson and Washington Park is the Midway Plaisance ice skating rink. It is open daily from November through February with free admission and is a great fitness option with friends.
