Spotlight: Member Sarah Reynolds and Outdoor Winter Living
Happy Friday!
There is no time of the year when I would rather stay inside cuddled up under a blanket, than wintertime. I'm not alone when I say it's hard to get motivated to get out and do anything when it's so darn cold, but member Sarah Reynolds recently shared with us some fun ways to stay active.
How do you stay fit all year round?
Living in Victoria, British Columbia, is a big help for my exercise regime because the weather here allows me to keep active year round. And that helps me to still be able to enjoy as much healthy food as I want.
Do you incorporate fitness into your everyday routine?
Because there's little snow in my city, I can bike to work almost every morning. It took me a few months to start to enjoy it, but now I love the feeling of hopping on my bike, peddling to work and feeling invigorated for the rest of the day. Victoria may have less snow than the rest of Canada, and that means biking in February is not possible for everyone, but there are plenty of activities that I enjoy during the winter that feature snow, too.
How do you add fun to your fitness routine?
Getting outside and building a snowman is a great way to enjoy time with your family and get a little exercise at the same time. I love using a carrot for the nose and nuts for the eyes, mouth, and buttons so that animals can have a nibble of my creation.
Also, skiing helps to build strong leg muscles and the hot chocolate breaks that you earn are well worth the work of slapping on a pair of skis. Hiking with friends is another great winter activity, whether you live in a snow-covered climate or not. Just dress in layers, bring a picnic with a warm drink in a thermos, and a pair of binoculars or a camera -- winter birds and other wildlife are some of the best I have ever seen.
But you still enjoy a sweet treat every now and then, right?
I always have room for dessert, but staying healthy is a big priority for me as well. I've worked hard to keep extra pounds off my hips, and I am always looking for fun ways to exercise. Once you've exercised, you won't feel bad about enjoying dessert tonight!
Click here to see one of Sarah's favourite recipes from her mom, a truly unique tiramisu -- using Philly, ricotta, gelatin and yogurt -- which she made for her birthday just a few weeks ago. And for all of Sarah's delicious Philly offerings, click HERE.
How do you stay active during the colder months? Tell us below!
Miss Philly
4 comments
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Great spotlight. While I am not a winter girl in any way, I have enjoyed some time walking outside this year because there has not been 3 feet of snow. I am looking forward to another walk, but the wind is gusting at about 100mph today, so I am glad to not be any lighter for fear of blowing away like a tumbleweed over the sand.
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Great spotlight Sarah, thanks for sharing your tips on keeping fit outdoors in the winter. Your mom's Tiramisu looks so delicious yum!
I used to be an avid runner (rain or shine)...but I had to taper my impact sports due to Fibromyalgia pain. I do still power walk with my Yellow Lab Cooper and go to indoor Yoga classes at my favourite Yoga studio. I also do fitness at home to my favorite DVDs. I love to ski, so I try and get up onto the mountain as often as I can. One of our local mountains is only 10 minutes from our house!
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It's great that you have found ways to stay active while definitely having fun! That's all the motivation I need. Thanks, Sarah!
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Oh my gosh Sarah, that looks amazing!
It's astounding the difference regular exercise makes. Right now, while not "determined dieting" my nightly jogging sessions have kept me from gaining any weight - despite the odd dessert ;) I invented a Peanutbutter Chocolate Banana Cream Pie last weekend (with Philly of course) and have enjoyed every bite knowing I will just go run it off later!
I really enjoyed this post.
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