As
the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, working out might be the
last thing on the minds of many Marian girls.
There are several who do not play a school sport, and outdoor activity
is definitely limited due to shortened amounts of daylight and very cold
weather.
For
optimum health, a year-round commitment should be made to exercise. It is
recommended that teenage girls get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise at least
three times a week. This can be really
easy to do and can actually be fun.
During
the winter, there are ways to exercise that are not available during the rest
of the year. Bundling up to go sledding
with friends for a few hours is a great workout; shoveling your driveway and
ice-skating also count. There are also ways to exercise indoors, including
exercise videos or classes at a local health club or gym.
Seniors
Kate McCarthy and Ashley McVey are “exercise buddies.” They work out together at Prairie Life
Center, about five times per week. They
even dressed in matching costumes as fitness girls for Halloween.
“We
usually do 40 minutes to an hour of cardio, which could be anything from
aerobics classes, elliptical machines, running, or the Stairmaster. I’m also trying to get Ashley to try water
aerobics. She thinks it for old ladies, but it’s actually not, it’s fun,” said
McCarthy.
For
McCarthy and McVey, working out with a friend is a great way to keep them
motivated during the winter months.
“When
I don’t feel like working out, I know that Ashley wants to go, so I end up
going with her,” said McCarthy.
McVey
agrees. “Working out makes you feel
really healthy and puts you in a good mood.
It’s a good idea to find a routine you like to do and stick to it. Finding a friend to go with will help you to
stick with it even more,” said McVey.
Whether
it is aerobics class, sledding, ice-skating, or bundling up to go running
outside, there are ways for everyone to stay in shape this winter.