With our Cleveland winter fast approaching, it can sometimes be hard to stay active when it is cold outside.

Although the snow and cold of the season can limit an active lifestyle during frigid temps and bursts of snow, there are many ways to stay fit. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you through the Cleveland winter:

Getting Fit Indoors
If you are not up for venturing outside, there is a lot of fun to be had indoors for ALL ages. Use technology to help you get fit. Check out websites, phone apps and more to find a fitness program that’s right for you. Pop in a workout video or DVD of an exercise or fitness routine. Or, just turn up the tunes at home and get dancin’. You can even play games with the family for healthy fun! Twister, for example, can help you burn approx 100+ calories/half hour or a hula hoop contest where you can burn on average, seven + calories/minute! 
Staying fit at home can be easy. You don’t need lots of fancy exercise equipment to maintain a routine. You can use what you have at home to stay fit, too! Try using soup cans for weight repetition, or try a wall Sit, just using your wall in the living room! Sit-ups, planks, push-ups and even yoga are easy ways to stay fit at home. And remember, take the stairs when you can! Taking the stairs rather than an elevator is a quick and easy way to add a bit more exercise in to a daily routine. 


Getting Fit Outdoors
Even when the wind and snow are ‘a blowing, there is still so much fun to be had outdoors! Staying active outside is a great cardiovascular workout. For example, an hour of ice skating can burn a minimum of 306 calories (visit Halloran Park on W. 117th Street) , sled ridding can burn approx. 230 calories/half hour, Or, help out a neighbor by shoveling their walkway where you can burn between 200-300 calories in just 30 minutes!  Just playing in the snow, whether it’s a snowball fight, cross country skiing, or making snow angels, can burn between 200-250 calories/hour! 


Local Fun
Visit our local rec centers where you will find FREE programming, classes and equipment for all ages, including: swimming, walking tracks, racket ball, zumba, yoga, ice skating and more! Here are a few of our local centers:

Clark Recreation Center
5706 Clark, 216.664.4657


Cudell Recreation Center
10013 Detroit Ave., 216-664 4183
Zone Recreation Center
6301 Lorain, 216.664.3373


Estabrook
4125 Fulton, 216.664.4149
Halloran Park
3550 West 117, 216.664.4187


Gunning Rec Center
16700 Puritas, 216-420-7900 

Visit www.city.cleveland.oh.us or call your local center for schedules and hours.


Neighborhood schools are great resources for indoor fun, too! Check out the link for information on programs right in your neighborhood: http://neighborhoodleadership.org/programs/schools-as-neighborhood-resources/ 


Winter activities with the Cleveland MetroParks

Staying Warm
Always remember to bundle up when you go outside and dress in layers. Wear your hats and mittens, scarves and extra socks, too! 

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