Methodist Health System | Methodist Dallas Medical Center | Shine | Winter 2015-2016

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Winter 2015–2016 SHINE 19
When the temperatures drop, don’t let
your outdoor workouts peter out. Instead,
remember that exercising in colder
weather can offer a refreshing change of
pace. To stick with it, consider these tips:
➊ Wear the right clothes. The goal is to
hold in the right amount of body heat.
Work with your local running store
expert to find the perfect combination
of clothing layers. You want moisture-
wicking fabrics that aren’t too tight.
That way you don’t restrict circulation,
which can lead to a loss of body heat.
You want your hands and head warm,
too, so don’t forget a hat, scarf, and
gloves — or try putting disposable
hand warmers inside your gloves. Last,
have a go-to pair of waterproof shoes
in case it’s snowy or rainy outside.
➋ Ease into your workout. In colder weather,
it takes longer for your body to warm
up, so give it the time it needs.
➌ Don’t forget to hydrate. Your body needs
water even if it isn’t hot out. Dry air can
also dehydrate you.
➍ Go indoors sometimes. Sometimes it’s
not safe for an outdoor workout —
when the temperature drops or if the
streets are icy. If you don’t have access
to a gym or treadmill, try the mall. At
the very least, it keeps you moving
until you can head back outdoors.
COMMUNITY
TAGLINE HERE
HEALTHY HOLIDAYS: FITNESS
LOOKING FOR A
PERMANENT OPTION FOR
FITNESS? Two Methodist
Health System campuses
offer centers that provide
a supportive environment
that fits with your schedule
and needs.
• • Folsom Fitness and
Rehabilitation Center
at Methodist Dallas
Medical Center
214-947-1890,
• • Fitness Center and
Fit Zone at Methodist
Charlton Medical Center
214-947-0678,
You may have overdone it at the table. But that doesn’t mean
you have to ditch the family for the treadmill to make up
for it. Enlist others to come along and burn off some of the
holiday season’s calories.
FUNWAYS
to burn extra holiday calories
1GO ON A HOLIDAY
SCAVENGER HUNT
This is especially great if you have little
kids. You’ll rack up a lot of steps as you
race door to door. Your list of things to look
for could include an inflatable Santa on the
lawn or icicle lights hanging from a roof.
With a group of older adults? Use your
smartphones and have a photo contest.
Calories burned: 30 minutes, 149 calories
3HIT
THE ICE
Broomball! It’s like hockey, without
the skates. Several ice rinks around the
Metroplex offer off-hour rentals for
groups who want to slide around the
rink and try to score.
Calories burned: 30 minutes, 260 calories
2 BACKYARD
OLYMPICS
Organize family and friends into teams
and compete in seasonally themed
activities like a Santaland obstacle course
or three-legged elf races. Or better yet, let
each team make up a game. Make sure
you pick impartial judges, though (we’re
looking at you, Grandma)!
Calories burned: 30 minutes, 186 calories
4 TAKE OUT
A RAKE
What about a “do unto others” task that
the whole family can help with? Perhaps a
neighbor needs help with her yard? Little
ones can help rake while others trim back
trees or shrubs.
Calories burned: 30 minutes, 149 calories * Calories burned based on a 155-pound person
Working out in winter