RV Fitness: Exercising in Cooler Weather
10-19-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
Some people live for the crisp, cold days of winter. They love skiing, skating, sledding, and playing in the snow. Others, however, prefer the warmer weather of the rest of the months. Unfortunately, taking a winter hiatus from working out takes a toll on your fitness, health, and weight. You don't have to skip exercising; however, it just takes a bit of creativity and planning. Take advantage of the warmer days, and have a few back-up moves in mind for when taking your workout outside just doesn't make sense. If it's one thing RVers have in common, we're resilient and adaptable.
Sunny, crisp days and even overcast, moderate ones provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. For example, many campgrounds offer RVers a variety of superb walking, running, and biking trails. In all but the coldest environments, open-air exercise is still a viable solution most days of the year.
Depending on your location, the weather can be unpredictable and conditions can quickly become dangerous. Make a habit of checking the local forecast. Although the exact temperature that is considered too cold is somewhat a personal issue, when you add wind or rain, sleet, or snow it makes a cold temperature even more dire. In fact, when your clothing gets wet while exercising, it makes hypothermia a greater likelihood. Dressing in appropriate layers keeps your skin drier, thereby reducing that risk.
Dress Appropriately
Keep yourself warm and dry while exercising outside without adding bulk to your outfit. Begin with a moisture-wicking base so your skin stays dry even when you sweat. This includes flexible shirt, shorts, socks, and undies. Over this, you want a thin layer of fleece, a synthetic micro-fiber, or even wool insulation in the form of long-sleeves and pants to keep your body-heat close to the skin and the cold winter air away.
If it's fairly cold—30-degrees Fahrenheit or less—you also want to add a lightweight jacket. Make sure to choose a waterproof option if you expect the conditions to warrant it. Gloves and earmuffs or a warm hat should be worn for temperatures under 40-degrees. When the weather is truly inclement, such as sleet, ice, or temperatures below 20-degrees, look into other local options.
Have a Plan B
Many RV parks feature extensive onsite fitness centers that are free to use for all residents. If your campground doesn't, check out other nearby fitness centers and gyms, as well as the local YMCA. Another good choice is to find an enclosed area with a wide-open space to walk, such as the nearest mall. If you're lucky, you can even find one that has a few flights of stairs. Big box stores like Costco, Lowes, and Wal-Mart also provide plenty of aisles for fast pacing in a heated environment—in a pinch.
Have a Plan C
When local options are limited—or the weather is just too cold and roads are slick—consider working out in your RV. With a bit of creativity, you can engage in a vigorous workout inside the more spacious areas within your home on wheels. If you have slide-outs, your living-room likely has a decent amount of square-footage to set up an aerobic step, some dumbbells, or a yoga mat. With a few fitness-DVDs or videos via YouTube there're many possibilities.
If you don't have slide-outs, you can still exercise in one of the aisles through your living or sleeping spaces. With slight modifications, you can still do abdominal exercises, planks, pushups, lunges, and squats. Use a dining-room chair to do tri-cep dips. Just sit with your palms on the edge of the chair and lower yourself until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then straighten your arms.
Another option is to make use of one of the largest flat areas in your RV: the bed. Moves like the side-plank are easier done on a softer surface. Start by lying on your side, propped up on one elbow. Raise your side off the bed as you tighten your side muscles. Lower and repeat a couple of times before changing sides.
In Conclusion
Staying fit isn't impossible even during colder weather; it just takes a bit ingenuity. Many campgrounds have fabulous trails that are often the best parts of the park. Others provide great fitness centers for their occupants. You can make use of the space within your RV also, but with the proper clothing, you can even take your exercise outside. Physical activity not only improves one's overall health, it also lifts moody spirits during the darker, shorter days. Stay sunny!
Related Read: Campground and RV Fitness Guide
Assess the SituationSunny, crisp days and even overcast, moderate ones provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. For example, many campgrounds offer RVers a variety of superb walking, running, and biking trails. In all but the coldest environments, open-air exercise is still a viable solution most days of the year.
Depending on your location, the weather can be unpredictable and conditions can quickly become dangerous. Make a habit of checking the local forecast. Although the exact temperature that is considered too cold is somewhat a personal issue, when you add wind or rain, sleet, or snow it makes a cold temperature even more dire. In fact, when your clothing gets wet while exercising, it makes hypothermia a greater likelihood. Dressing in appropriate layers keeps your skin drier, thereby reducing that risk.
Dress Appropriately
Keep yourself warm and dry while exercising outside without adding bulk to your outfit. Begin with a moisture-wicking base so your skin stays dry even when you sweat. This includes flexible shirt, shorts, socks, and undies. Over this, you want a thin layer of fleece, a synthetic micro-fiber, or even wool insulation in the form of long-sleeves and pants to keep your body-heat close to the skin and the cold winter air away.
If it's fairly cold—30-degrees Fahrenheit or less—you also want to add a lightweight jacket. Make sure to choose a waterproof option if you expect the conditions to warrant it. Gloves and earmuffs or a warm hat should be worn for temperatures under 40-degrees. When the weather is truly inclement, such as sleet, ice, or temperatures below 20-degrees, look into other local options.
Related Read: Workamping at the Sugar Beet Harvest: What to Wear
Have a Plan B
Many RV parks feature extensive onsite fitness centers that are free to use for all residents. If your campground doesn't, check out other nearby fitness centers and gyms, as well as the local YMCA. Another good choice is to find an enclosed area with a wide-open space to walk, such as the nearest mall. If you're lucky, you can even find one that has a few flights of stairs. Big box stores like Costco, Lowes, and Wal-Mart also provide plenty of aisles for fast pacing in a heated environment—in a pinch.
Have a Plan C
When local options are limited—or the weather is just too cold and roads are slick—consider working out in your RV. With a bit of creativity, you can engage in a vigorous workout inside the more spacious areas within your home on wheels. If you have slide-outs, your living-room likely has a decent amount of square-footage to set up an aerobic step, some dumbbells, or a yoga mat. With a few fitness-DVDs or videos via YouTube there're many possibilities.
If you don't have slide-outs, you can still exercise in one of the aisles through your living or sleeping spaces. With slight modifications, you can still do abdominal exercises, planks, pushups, lunges, and squats. Use a dining-room chair to do tri-cep dips. Just sit with your palms on the edge of the chair and lower yourself until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then straighten your arms.
Another option is to make use of one of the largest flat areas in your RV: the bed. Moves like the side-plank are easier done on a softer surface. Start by lying on your side, propped up on one elbow. Raise your side off the bed as you tighten your side muscles. Lower and repeat a couple of times before changing sides.
In Conclusion
Staying fit isn't impossible even during colder weather; it just takes a bit ingenuity. Many campgrounds have fabulous trails that are often the best parts of the park. Others provide great fitness centers for their occupants. You can make use of the space within your RV also, but with the proper clothing, you can even take your exercise outside. Physical activity not only improves one's overall health, it also lifts moody spirits during the darker, shorter days. Stay sunny!
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Author: Carrie Todd
