It’s no secret that the start of the new year is a popular time for folks to set fitness goals. January happens to be the busiest time of the year for gyms (which is very apparent in the shortage of treadmills the first week after New Year’s), with the month accounting for 12% of new gym memberships.
If you’re looking to stay active in January, here are a few ways besides simply signing up for a membership at the local gym.
Try Online Fitness Classes
The January gym scene isn’t everybody’s bag. We get it. If you still want the class fitness setting but don’t want to battle the crowds for a spot on the floor, consider signing up for a virtual fitness class.
Virtual fitness classes don’t carry the same pressure that some might feel with an in-person class and the varieties available are nearly endless. From pilates and yoga to kickboxing, Zumba, and dance, there’s something for everyone. And if you don’t want to work out completely solo, you can always invite a few friends over to participate in the virtual fitness class with you.
Join an Adult Sports League
The best way to get fit and stay fit is to find an exercise that you enjoy. If you enjoyed playing sports in your youth, joining an adult sports league might be the perfect fit. Basketball, hockey, and indoor soccer all have fall/winter season leagues for adults and can be a great way to burn some calories and scratch the itch for some friendly competition.
Not only is joining an adult sports league a fantastic way to stay active in the colder months, but it’s also a great way to make new friends in the process.
Hit the Skating Rink
Skating (whether it be ice or roller) can be a great way to work in some exercise during the colder weather months. If it’s been a while since you put on a pair of roller skates and the idea of hitting the rink under glowing disco lights leaves you in a cold sweat, don’t worry. The Austin Roller Rink offers group, private, and even trick classes for anyone looking for some extra instruction.
If cutting figure 8s on the ice is more your thing, there are a number of ice skating rinks in the Austin area, many of them offering instructional classes.
Trail Running
There are hundreds of hiking trails throughout the Texas Hill Country, and lacing up your trail sneakers is a great way to stay in shape. Texas’ trails are always popular during the fall, spring, and summer months, but January… not so much. Many people tend to shy away from hiking in the colder months, but their loss equals your gain because the trails are a lot less crowded.
You’ll want to dress and plan accordingly, though. Check the weather forecast before you head out to be sure you’re dressed warm enough. Opting for layers is a good idea, too, as your body will naturally heat up the longer you run. It’s also smart to let somebody know when and where you’ll be running before you hit the trail.
Enjoying a jog or brisk walk on the trail system within the Crosswinds community is a convenient way to get in some cardio at the start or end of the day.
To learn more about the Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.