As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s tempting to stay indoors, trading your outdoor adventures for the comfort of home. But staying active throughout the colder months can be incredibly rewarding, both for your physical and mental well-being. With the right mindset and gear, winter doesn’t have to slow you down - in fact, it can add a whole new dimension to your getting outdoors. From embracing different activities to adapting your routine to colder conditions, here’s how you can keep moving year-round.
Embrace Autumn Activities
Last year we wrote a guide on great activities that you can do in Autumn. Here are some of those ideas:
- Hosting a small bonfire - a gathering around a bonfire is not just for Guy Fawkes Night. Get some friends together in a safe place, gather some wood, and bring hot flasks and blankets and reconnect.
- Star Gazing - Although the air is taking on a distinctly cooler, crisper feel, autumn does tend to mean clearer skies, making it the perfect season for stargazing and star walks. Plus, with the darkness setting in earlier, you don’t need to stay up as late to enjoy the night sky.
- Forest Walks - Being in amongst trees in Autumn is a visual treat! Read our blog on some of the best places to visit in Autumn.
- Bothying - Bothying, the practice of staying in simple, remote, and often rustic shelters in the wilderness, is particularly rewarding in the autumn season. With full immersion in the landscape and those rewarding gatherings around the fire in the evening, this is a great way to spend a weekend.
Adapt to the Season
As the seasons change, so too should your outdoor routine. Autumn and Winter bring unique challenges, but with a few adjustments, you can continue enjoying your favourite activities.
1. Time Your Workouts Wisely
Winter days are shorter, so you may need to adjust your schedule to make the most of daylight hours. Try to get outside during the warmest part of the day, typically late morning to early afternoon. If you're heading out early or late, make sure you have adequate lighting, such as a headlamp, to stay safe.
2. Warm-Up Indoors
Take a few minutes to get your blood flowing before stepping outside. A quick indoor warm-up can help reduce the shock of cold air and prevent injury. Focus on dynamic movements like leg swings, arm circles, and lunges to get your muscles ready for action.
3. Hydration is Key
In cold weather, it’s easy to forget about hydration since you're not sweating as noticeably as in summer. However, staying hydrated is just as important in winter. Cold air is often dry, which can lead to dehydration faster than you might expect. Keep sipping water before, during, and after your outdoor adventures.
4. Listen to Your Body
Colder temperatures can add more strain to your body, especially if you're not used to it. As we get older, our reaction to the cold changes too, so it might not feel the same year on year. Pay attention to signs of fatigue, frostbite, or hypothermia, and make sure you stop if you are feeling unwell. Similarly, adjusting your intensity to account for the added challenge of snow or icy terrain is essential.
Of course… Use those layers
Layering is an essential strategy for staying comfortable in cold weather. The key is to create an adaptable system that allows you to add or remove layers as your body warms up or as the weather changes. Wear two to three layers of Merino Wool to keep you warm. Merino wicks moisture away from your body, so if you do sweat through exertion, it reduces the risk of your temperature dropping when you stop moving. Add an outer layer to protect you from the elements, and don’t forget your extremities. Hats, gloves and good socks and footwear will ensure you can enjoy the outdoors for longer.
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
Just a Little Run Around the World" by Rosie Swale-Pope.
Rosie Swale-Pope, a British adventurer, tells the extraordinary story of her five-year solo run around the world. After losing her husband to cancer, she embarked on this journey to raise awareness for cancer research, battling extreme conditions from Siberian winters to tropical heat, often sleeping in a tent or tiny trailer. This is an inspiring story of determination, resilience and courage.
Favourite Quote
Favourite Song
This is such a beautiful song about life's only consistent which is change. The Swedish pair have such pure vocals and remarkable harmonies and the song itself is lush with nostalgia.
