Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Health Hive logo
  1. Topics
    • COVID-19
    • Primary Care
    • Parents & Kids
    • Women's Health
    • Cancer Care
    • Brain & Spine
    • Surgery
    • Bone & Joint
    • View All Topics
  2. Patient Stories
  3. News
  4. About
Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Fitness
  1. 6 Winter Activities

6 Heart-Pumping Winter Activities

Get your heart pumping and burn some holiday calories with these top winter activities.

Dec. 19, 2019 • 2   min read

Young woman throwing snowball

Cold weather is often a deterrent for certain exercises. Running on icy pavements can be dangerous, and hiking, exploring trails, mountain biking, and other similar heart-pumping activities are better left for warmer temperatures. But there are still plenty of ways you can burn calories during winter! Here are our top 6 winter activities to help get your heart pumping.

Important: Regardless of your fitness level, remember to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water when you're performing any activity.

1. Shovel Snow

The first snowfall is a beautiful canvas of bright, fresh powder. But when the snow settles, someone needs to clear your pavement or driveway. Shoveling snow is a great dual-purpose winter activity—a chore that also gets your heart pumping! 

Tips for Shoveling:

•    Bend with your knees 
•    Maintain a wide base
•    Keep your back straight
•    Wear boots and gloves
•    Track your heart rate (two fingers on your pulse and count for 1 min.)
•    Drink water
•    Shovel at your own pace
•    Take frequent breaks

Have sore joints? See all the conditions we treat

2. Snowball Fight

You can really turn up the intensity with an old-fashioned snowball fight! Snowball fights engage your entire body. Whether you’re throwing, ducking, running, or jumping in the snow, you'll be using arm, legs, back, and shoulder muscles.

Recovery Tip: Eat a protein-heavy meal after your workout to repair your muscle tears.

3. Clean Snow Off Car 

Cleaning the ice and snow off your car is another cold-weather activity that can’t be avoided. But it can substitute as an effective winter workout.

To maximize the use of your back and arm muscles, hold the snow brush firmly in two hands and make long, sweeping motions as far as you can reach. Your car's front and back windshields, and the top of your car, are ideal surfaces to perform this motion. Aim for three to five reps or more depending on your fitness level (and amount of snow on your car). 

When chipping away at the ice on your windshield, hold the snow scraper firmly in two hands and thrust down in short bursts at a 45-degree angle.

4. Ice Skating

A traditional winter activity, ice skating can be both a great workout and a leisurely activity. Most ice rinks allow you to rent skates at an affordable price so you can spend as much time as you want burning calories. Ice skating is ideal for both small and large groups, and even if your skating skills aren't the best, you'll still get a great workout!

5. Yoga

Not all winter activities need to be outside. And while yoga can be done any time of the year, it can be especially rewarding in the cozy confines of your home or a yoga studio.

You can burn up to 500 calories doing yoga, and there are several different types of yoga you can choose from, depending on your fitness level and preference. Feeling shy about doing yoga at a studio? Get your heart pumping at home by downloading a yoga video or streaming from YouTube.

 
NEXT STEPS Comprehensive Primary Care Services

Guided by experience and compassion, our providers give you the comfort of knowing that you're receiving the excellent healthcare you deserve.

Learn More
primary care icon
location illustration Find a Location Near You
Recent News
Primary Care
Flu Season Numbers for 2020/21

This year's flu season is more unique that any year before because of COVID-19. Here are the 2020/21 flu season numbers and final flu season numbers for 2019/20.

COVID-19
Updates: Coronavirus in Our Region

Read the latest numbers on coronavirus cases in the Finger Lakes and Greater Rochester, as well as local regulations and travel restrictions news.

News
New Center for GERD & Foregut Disorders

We launched a specialty center focused on treating a range of esophageal and upper gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to esophageal cancer.

Diversity and Inclusion
Rochester Regional Health Celebrates Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month in 2021, Rochester Regional Health’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office created myriad educational resources, employee spotlights, interactive trivia and a virtual celebration.

health hive logo

Get Email Updates

Sign up for our Health Hive newsletter to receive our top stories and tips to help you live a longer, healthier life.
Thanks! We've added you to our Health Hive newsletter
Enhancing Lives. Preserving Health.
Contact Us

Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Billing & Insurance
  • Classes & Events
  • Our Services
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Closings & Cancellations

Company

  • Careers
  • About Us
  • ACM Global Laboratories
  • Contact Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • ElderONE
  • Volunteer
  • GRIPA
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Quality and Safety
  • Sustainability

Resources

  • Workday
  • Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Make a Gift
  • Medical Education & Research
  • MyCare
  • Sponsorships
Rochester Regional Health Logo
© 2021 Rochester Regional Health. All Rights Reserved.
  • Non Discrimination
  • Disclaimer
  • Language Assistance
  • Privacy Policy