Do you think the winter weather will put the kibosh on the continuance of your summer and fall fitness plan? If you have babies, leave the whining to the little one, and brave the colder climate in the name of reclaiming your body! As owner of the Stroller Strides that serves Mechanicsville, Quinton, New Kent, and Richmond/Varina, I want to remind all women, mommy or not, that a change in season doesn’t necessitate a personal health hiatus - it simply requires making a few adjustments to your regular workout regimen.

Don’t be tempted to curtail your get-fit plan just because conditions are less-than-favorable.  Beyond physical fitness is psychological fitness, and many people - especially new moms - can be susceptible to winter blues. Getting out of the house and exercising is a great way to increase both endorphins and energy.

Through Stroller Strides, the country’s largest postnatal exercise program, I encourage moms to maintain their workout routine, by offering indoor classes during the colder months. I choose environments that range from community and recreation centers to roller rinks to provide the perfect weather-proof spots that both facilitate fitness endeavors and stimulate baby’s short attention span.  Whether you have your baby in tow or not, continuing (or beginning) an exercise program during colder months will make all the difference in how you feel about yourself and the extra stresses that tag along with the chilly season.

Here are a few cold-weather health tips to make further fitness strides:

Q: How Do I Prepare Myself for a Cold-Weather Workout?
A: When preparing for a cold-weather workout, always remember that you will warm up. Dress in layers, as your core temperature will rise as you exercise - wear a moisture-wicking fabric closest to your body and warmer layers on top. Don’t forget gloves.  If you are working out with your baby, remember that they will not warm-up during your routine.  Dress them warmly and don’t forget their mittens.

Q: Do Eating Habits Change During the Colder Months? How Can I Avoid Overeating?
A: Colder months are tough for healthy eating, as less fresh fruits and vegetables are available, and we tend to go for comfort foods. Do your best to look for lighter alternatives and ways to alter winter recipes. During the holiday season, remember to eat plenty of healthy snacks and drink a lot of water prior to parties so you aren’t hungry. Load your plate with salads and veggies to keep portions smaller for fatter fare, and choose your favorites, rather than one of everything. Finally, knowing that you will be eating more than usual, try your best to get in longer exercise sessions to make up for increased caloric intake.

Q: How Can I Fit in Fitness During the Holiday Season?
A: Even when you don’t have time for a traditional workout routine, do your best to fit in fitness in the corners of your life. When driving, do kegels (pelvic floor lifts) and abdominal bracing (contraction of the abdominal muscles). If you’re holiday shopping, retract your shoulder blades repetitively to improve posture and change the way you hold your shopping bags. Modify your grip so that it’s more like a bicep curl - this way, your purchases can act as weights instead of weighing you down.

One thing I like to encourage my clients all season long, is that if you are “showing up” to your scheduled exercise routine; (you have to plan for it, it will not happen on its own); you should feel good about that.  Baby steps count too, and we all have different lives will different stresses.  What is important is how we deal with those stresses.  Exercise will help you cope, and no one is doing it better than you.  Now, go for a stroll! 

For information about Stroller Strides, visit http://www.strollerstrides.com.  Classes are added based on interest.