"If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life, but still the same amount of snow"
-Anonymous We are well into winter weather here in Calgary. I offer year round nature walks to encourage people to opt outside and enjoy nature (and #vitamincommunity!) but I definitely have less participation in the winter. Here are some tips on winter walking to help ease your mind while walking outdoors in the winter. #1 Invest in a good pair of traction aids I have used both Yaktrax and IceTrekkers, both available at MEC. They slip right on to the bottom of your boots and will help you feel more confident as you walk on slippery sidewalks. #2 Commit to getting outside DAILY Even if it's only for 5 minutes. No matter the temperature. We all need fresh air and movement. Everyday. This is important for all ages! #3 Make it social Schedule a walk with a friend. Or join me. Winter is a time of increased loneliness and scheduling a visit with a friend combined with a walk is a great way to #stackyourlife. #4 Choose a good route If your community sidewalks are often unshoveled or icy, choose a city pathway that is cleared year round. You can find a list here. These paths are cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall. #5 Keep your Weight in your Heels Keeping your weight back in your heels and keeping your pelvis stable will allow you to step forward and examine the ground of your next step before placing your weight on the front foot. Want to practice indoors? Work on your pelvic list. #6 Slow Down (but not like a penguin) Slow down. Take time to notice the terrain in front of you. Choose snow over ice for better traction and try to maintain a posterior-push off during your gait cycle (use your glutes and keep your feet pointed forward, but don't lean forward (see tip #5)). I often see advice to 'walk like a penguin' but turning out your feet and shuffling will decrease the movement nutrients of your walk. #7 Have fun! "We don't stop playing because we get old. We get old because we stop playing" -George Bernard Shaw So pick up a snowball. Throw it at a tree. Make a snow angel. Allow yourself to breathe in the cold air. Warm up after a nice winter walk with hot tea and enjoy the things about winter that you enjoyed as a child. Want to practice walking in winter? Join me for Woods Wednesdays or my monthly nature meet-up; all current free nature walks are always posted on my website and Facebook page.
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AuthorRosanna Taylor, MSc, RES-CPT Archives
April 2024
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