Working Out, Winter Style

While the weather outside is still -unfortunately- frightful, it has come to my attention that the excess of snow and slush may have multiple benefits for your body. If the frigid temperatures and un-desirable driving conditions have forced you to put your new year’s resolutions on hold, fear not! Hear are four simple things you can do when winter weather strikes the GTA.

1) While walking to school, the subway or work, take the back alleys. A usually frowned upon area of travel, these alleys serve as an excellent forum to attain your daily cardio blast. Typically un-plowed and uneven with snow, the open space is perfect for faking an in the city cross country ski path. Simply bend your knees, place your feet flat on the slippery surface below and slide your way to the other end of the alley. To increase your calorie burn, pump your arms in opposition of your feet as you slip along. Don’t be discouraged if people cast un-approving glances your way. Instead visualize their bodies as trees surrounding your snowy cross country skiing trail, and smile knowing your taking full advantage of the winter wonderland around you.

2) If driving anywhere is out of the question. Utilize the variety of public transportation options available to you. Now I know you will not be the only one who decides to bus down to their local TTC subway station, and the over crowding of people on board may be more frustrating then convenient. However, instead of scowling at those who continue to inch into your bubble of personal space, use this time to tone up your abs. Just as the subway doors close, slightly bend your knees, let go of any system of support, relax your arms by your side, and ENGAGE those abs. When the momentum begins to slow as the subway resumes its regular speed, bend your knees further, all the while pulling your belly button towards your back and bracing yourself against the bodies desire to lurch forward. Continue this balancing game at each subway stop until you reach your final one, and your abs and thighs will thank you in the long run.

3) When crossing the street at an intersection, take the path less traveled. See that four foot high snow embankment beside the nicely plowed sidewalk entrance. Climb it. Depending on the height, you could even work in a couple lunges to the top, before having to contract your abs and thighs to safely come down the opposite side. No matter how steep or small these piles of snow are, walking up and then down them, gives your legs the chance to tone up, and gets your heart rate pumping. Repeat several times throughout the day and become one of the few people who don’t curse city workers for un-shoveled city sidewalks.

4) A trip to the local Dominions can be a lengthy excursion when the wintry weather hits Toronto. I always find that for some reason I'm not the only genius who decided to take advantage of the brief halt in snowfall to venture out and pick up some much needed items. But do not begin to tap your feet in impatience when standing in line to pay; instead use the time to firm up your arms. That’s right, evenly distribute your heavier items of purchase in each hand and begin those bicep curls. Depending on the weight, keep your reps to about 10-15 per side, and repeat three times. If the line is still backed once you’re done, take those same items and lift your arms straight up at your sides, holding the weights horizontally in line with your shoulders. Make sure to keep a slight bend in your knees, contracted abs, and shoulders pressed down and back. Hold the weights out for about 10 seconds and repeat three times. Make sure you have adequate space before doing this, as hitting the elderly women next you in line is generally frowned upon.

Voila! In one day you have turned your weather woes around and used the chilly city as an outdoor gym for your bod. Perhaps this winter weather is not as inconvenient as I thought? Never mind, it’s currently -10 with a wind-chill of -22 and an impending snow fall warning, how many days till spring again?