Keeping Limber in Winter

On days when it’s cold and dark outside, I have found the best way to coax my body into moving and becoming active is to show it extra patience and kindness.

I know, I know. When it’s early in the morning and there is snow to clear from the driveway, patience is not usually what comes to mind. But our bodies are more connected to the seasons than we might realize. The colder temperatures outside, and inside, definitely have an effect on our muscles and joints.

For me, it’s much easier to stay limber, avoid injury and avoid becoming a couch potato during winter when I acknowledge that my body needs different treatment and care during these months than it might in the midst of summer. So, how can we stay limber enough for the outdoor activities of winter, prevent injuries and also maintain the level of fitness we worked so hard to achieve during summer and fall?

As a yoga instructor, obviously I’m going to suggest yoga as the most beneficial activity you can do throughout winter to stay limber. But, I’m certainly not alone in this recommendation. Lately, positive press about yoga seems to be everywhere. Although, the reason I continue to practicing yoga isn’t because of some random study touting its many benefits or the fact that so many celebrities rave about yoga these days. What motivates me to practice yoga regularly is that it works. I’ve experienced first-hand how much happier my joints, muscles and mind feel when I practice consistently.

If you’ve never tried yoga I don’t expect you to take my word for it. See for yourself. First, forget all of your preconceived notions about people sitting with their legs tied in knots. Yoga is so much more accessible and varied than you might think. I promise it will amaze you if you give it a chance.

Actually, how about conducting your own study? Take a few classes and check out some yoga books at the library. Visit http://www.yogajournal.com and study a few poses in their Pose Index. Then, commit to doing a few minutes of yoga every day for two weeks. You’ll notice that your body is much more prepared for whatever activity winter might throw your way, whether it’s shoveling the sidewalk at 6 am or cross-country skiing on a Saturday afternoon. As you continue to practice over time, the benefits only increase.

So, regularly doing yoga can help us stay in tip-top shape, but we also need to consider the importance of easing ourselves into movement in those few minutes prior to exercise or strenuous activity. Take time to warm up by gently moving your arms, legs and spine through their normal ranges of motion, walking for a few minutes or doing a few of the yoga poses you’ve learned. Warming up is always important, but even more so when you’re asking your body to perform in frigid temperatures.

This winter let’s take great care of ourselves. Be kind and patient with your body and stay active. Then, when spring arrives you just may find yourself in better shape than before, ready to tackle a whole new season of outdoor activities.

Lori Rasmussen, a Yoga Alliance Registered Instructor, teaches classes at Saguaro Day Spa in Sturgeon Bay. For class times and more information, visit http://www.theflowofyoga.com.