Stay Winter Fit with Nike Training Club

Baby, it's cold outside. And, if you're like me, winter can sometimes make working out seem less than desirable. After all, who likes to dress like a mummy to go for a run, or risk slipping on ice when out for a walk? 

Although you may want to stay snuggled up in your warm bed, winter shouldn't be a time that your fitness plans hibernate, especially with all of those holiday parties and baked goodies around. With the right attitude and mix of workouts, exercise can help you beat those winter blues.   Nike Training Club has made it easy to do just that with a mix of strength training, cardio, your choice of yoga,pilates/barre and rest days.

Simply download the NTC app and like the Nike Training Club facebook page for weekly schedules to help you stay winter fit. Here are the weekly schedules posted thus far:

Of course if you want to take it outdoors you can  go out and play! The best part about playing is that it doesn't feel like working out - though you can still get your heart rate up and have an excellent cardio session. Have a blast in the winter wonderland outside by making snow angels, having a snowball fight or even building a snowman  No snow in your area? Try ice skating - you can do indoors or outdoors.

Be sure you always stay safe no matter what you do, especially if you decide to enjoy the winter weather outdoors. But most of all, have fun out there. It's a wonderful time of year...enjoy it!

Dashing through the snow

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! I hope you all had a wonderful time w/family & friends over the holidays and also managed to keep active.

I did a few 5K's, NTC workouts and worked on my yoga.  I found this really helpful site Yoga Journal  that has videos from beginner to advanced to help me master some moves.

Here are some pics of workouts I got in over the holidays:

My first day off I enjoyed a 5K run w/my little sister.

Christmas Eve another 5K, with some upper body workout  & ended w/some much needed yoga.
hehe like my harem pants?

Dec 29 - 5K in 8cm of snow WHAT!

Yup I ran in the snow and it was exhilarating!  There is no better feeling than hearing the ice and snow crack beneath your feet as you motor along.  So I thought I'd share some tips on running in the snow.

• Running during snow season is very different from other times of the year. Your body will become exhausted far more quickly and will use up its energy reserves very quickly. Drink a lot of water to keep hydrated and carry some snack bars or nuts to keep you sustained

• Let people know where you're going, and how long you're going for. If you get stuck somewhere or fall, it will be nice to know that people will be looking for you or simply run with your phone.

• Snow is great for resistance training, try finding some deep snow on a level surface and sprinting through it.

•  Ensure that you wear appropriate shoes, try a good pair of trail shoes with added traction. I used my Nike ACG's

• Dress in layers, start with a sweat wicking base layer, DO NOT wear Cotton as this will soak up moisture and keep you wet=cold! Then on top of the base layer go for a Gore-Tex material jacket or windbreaker. If really cold get a fleece type middle layer on.

• Get some lip balm on!

• Finally, you cant beat that feeling of being out there when everyone else is curled up in front of the TV, that’s one of the best things about running through winter, the feeling that your doing something not many people would like to. 

• Oh and don't forget to make sure you've got some nice hot soup or hot chocolate to come home to for a quick recovery/warm up.

Brave the elements with Nike swag

Back in October Nike Running challenged us to #RunTheElements. They have since released their amazing and colourful new collection to help you brave whatever may come your way - wind, cold, rain, snow and heat. NO excuses to stay indoors and hide!  Visit NIKE.com to view product details.
*Canadians to view the online shop on Nike.com change the region at bottom of screen to United States.