“First, I have noticed that your family is into fitness, and I was wondering when the weather turns cold and snowing/raining, what do you do for cardio? Also, what are some of the things that you might wear in order to stay warm and dry?” A blog reader
This is a great question. We’ve had a lot of snow and ice this winter. It is true that we love to exercise, and just because it’s winter, well, that doesn’t stop us.
While we do most of our cardio workouts in our home gym, we still walk outside, and we girls also try for a weekly run. For walking, we like down coats, especially Eddie Bauer. They have different options of warmth and length available. My personal favorite I wear a ton is the Cirruslite Down Jacket. Jesse loves his North Face down jacket.
Under Armour Base Layer is another blessing. They come in varying levels, but their 3.0 and 4.0s are perfect for winter. Running gear we prefer to layer because down coats are too bulky and hot. Under Armour’s ColdGear turtleneck is one of my favorite options.
If it is icy, YakTraxs are an option to wear over a running or walking shoe. They are a little hassle to put on, though. YakTraxs seriously make it possible to walk in otherwise impossible slippery conditions.
We’ve also found hiking shoes have more traction than normal running shoes, so if it’s slightly icy, but not enough to call for YakTraxs, those are a great option.
That being said, we’ve had so much ice this winter, that Dad and Mom have erred on the side of caution and not done as much walking. Instead, they’ll do a home workout, using the treadmill and the stairs. Then, they’ll finish out with a kettlebell workout.
I hope some of these ideas help you to brave the winter weather!
Love,
Sarah
“For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth;
likewise to the small rain, and to the
great rain of his strength.” Job 37:6
I concur about the YakTrax! My husband and in-laws all have them and use them in the winter. Being in Michigan and NY, we definitely have icy winters. They use them for running and walking. I believe my mother-in-law has a pair of shoes or boots that she actually leaves the YakTrax on permanently in the winter, since, like you said, they can be a little time consuming to put on, so that makes her be able to just put on her boots and go!
Victoria,
That’s a great suggestion–to have one pair to leave the YakTrax on! 🙂 Great idea!
I have the same fuchsia coldgear top :). I loveeee under armour… perfect for winter. I do layer them when we’re at the motorcycle during cold days. winter this year isn’t that bad compared to the past 2 years.
Annie,
That’s great! I didn’t know you had the same top! I’ve had mine for quite a few years; it is made of excellent quality.
i will take a pic and show it to you… will take a pic tomorrow (saturday)
Yes! I’ll enjoy seeing it! 🙂
Thanks for coat recommendation. They are now on sale. Eddie Bauer website is super easy to navigate. I have always liked your purple coat Sarah and ordered one! I admire your work ethic with fitness.
Yes, it’s great when you can get them on sale! It seriously is my go-to coat. That and my other one for extreme cold is the Women’s Lodge Down Duffle Coat. I could almost get rid of all my other coats–even dressy type because I wear my Cirruslite Down jacket most of the time! I hope you like it as much as I’ve liked mine. Even GiGi got herself one recently and loves it!
Maybe these ideas would help me get bundled up for a mid-winter bike ride! 😉 Would you consider doing a post sometime on Mary’s lettering techniques? That’s something I take an interest in. For example, what books does she use? Any tips she could give?
Hmmm. I haven’t tried a winter bike ride–but with bundling it, you could do it! 🙂 We did a post on How to Start Lettering last year. See what you think and if you have more questions still.
Love this! You are a wonderful example and encouragement to take care of ourselves spiritually through the intake of God’s Word, and also physically through consistent exercise. Thank you!
Aww, thanks! 🙂
I know I already posted, but I also wanted to say that you inspired me to want to go out today and exercise, despite the cold! I kind of turn into a hermit in the cold winter and don’t want to go outside much, because I dislike being cold. I agree, though, that the gear you wear makes a huge difference. I made myself decide to take my daughter and niece on an outdoor outing to the zoo, which is only 1 mile from our house. There is a lot of walking involved, so it’s good exercise. Despite it being only 35 degrees, we really enjoyed being outside in the fresh, crisp air. And a bonus was that the animals were out in full force. The keepers are always telling us to come in the winter, because the animals are more active than when it is hot, and we found it to be true! So, thank you for your encouragement…
I’m so glad, Victoria! Thanks for sharing! Yes, it can take some motivation to leave the warmth but then it feels good to get out. Good job! 🙂 I’m sure your daughter and niece were so happy too!
Love this too! I ordered the Under Armour coldgear turtlenecks last year on your reccomendation and they have been wonderful 🙂 Thank you!
I’m so glad, Katie! I’ve had mine for years, and it’s held up so well!
We are outdoors a good bit doing work on our property this time of year and I love under armour for not being cumbersome. I’ve found the Snoga brand of atheletic skirts to fit my preferences better than regular ones. They provide both modesty and warmth – plus the material dries quick if it’s snowing or I slip!
Anna and Mary are trying skirts from Snoga! Just heard of them more recently.
Great post! This might be a silly question, but what about bottoms? I tend to have the toughest time finding warm pants, leggings, etc to run in that aren’t too hot or bulky. I know you were skirts on top too, but any advice for the other half of your body?
If I’m preparing for a run, and it’s super cold, I’ll wear Under Armour 3.0 Base Layer leggings under my black stretch exercise skirt. If it’s in the 20’s or warmer, I’ll often instead wear my CuddlDud leggings under my skirt. Base Layer is really warm, and with running, I get warm pretty quickly. Sometimes for walking, I’ll wear a denim skirt with leggings, which is warmer than my normal exercise skirt. Hope this helps!
My dad and I try to run a mile up and down our street together four days a week. My dad tries to use bad weather as an excuse to get out of it though. Lol. I’ll use this post to inspire him to run even in a drizzle or in 50 degree weather. Lollolol. 😉 😉 😉
🙂 It’s all what you’re used to, though. You have much warmer winters down there! 🙂