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Stay Fit in Winter: It’s Worth the Effort and Good for Your Heart!

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February is American Heart Month. It’s also the time of year when the days are short, the nights are long and the weather is just plain cold. Most of us want to do nothing more than get home at the end of a work day and hibernate.

But, just because it gets dark early and it cold outside doesn’t mean you should skip your workout. Choosing to exercise is good for your overall wellbeing and it’s especially good for your heart. In the long run, making the decision to stay fit in the winter will be good for you and your heart!

Here are some suggestions to consider to keep yourself and your heart fit in the winter:

  • Walk at your office or a mall. Get up from your desk every half hour or so and walk around the office for a few minutes. You can also go to the local mall and walk there.
  • Join a health club. This will allow you to vary your routines and exercise routine to keep it interesting.
  • If you have stairs where you live or close by, spending 20 minutes climbing up and down the stairs gives you a very intense and efficient workout.
  • Swim. Find a local indoor pool you can use. Try swimming, water aerobics, or even just walking or running laps in the water.

By staying fit during winter you’ll be able to avoid the winter bulge, have a head start on swimsuit season, and avoid losing strength and stamina caused from inactivity. That way, when the weather warms up you’ll be ready for your outdoor activities. And, best of all your heart will thank you for keeping fit!