In Boone, North Carolina, the first snow of winter is exciting — a chance for students to break out their coziest winter clothing, drink hot chocolate and snuggle up under blankets for a long day of watching Netflix… I mean, doing homework.
When winter begins to drag and all you want to do is lay in bed and eat comfort food, how do you stay motivated to stay active? Whether you’re looking for motivation to make the trek to the gym, or you need tips for when working out is the last thing you want to do, this list is for you.
Why stay active in the winter?
Staying active isn’t just about the superficial benefits of losing weight and building muscle mass — it’s one of the best ways to release endorphins that keep seasonal depression and the anxiety of upcoming exams at bay. Staying active also doesn’t have to be a chore. A study from Norway found that Norwegians have lower seasonal depression rates than in the U.S. despite having longer and colder winters. The reason? They view winter as something to be enjoyed, not endured. Take a tip from Norway’s book and make your winter fun, even with the dark and cold. Arrange a day to go skiing with friends, bundle up and go for a walk down King Street, or, in moments of true desperation, dream of summer at the indoor pool at the Student Recreation Center.
Cold weather outdoor activities in Boone
People come from up and down the East Coast to ski at Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Sugar Mountain. Why not take advantage of Boone’s top notch slopes? All three of Boone’s most popular ski mountains offer regular student discounts and even nights throughout the winter when students can ski or snowboard for hours and rent equipment for a flat rate. If you’re feeling adventurous and have a good pair of hiking boots, try a winter hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
My friends and I have often taken an impulse break from studying for an exam, bundled up, and taken on a short hike to release some of the pent up energy from being indoors all day. If you like to exercise outside — whether it’s walking, hiking, or running — make sure to wear several layers of clothing and a synthetic bottom layer that will wick sweat from your body. Cotton will absorb your sweat and freeze in the cold, which could make you sick. Finally, our bodies tend to work harder when it’s cold outside, so be careful not to overexert.
Can’t take the cold?
No problem! Work out in one of App State’s on-campus gyms. I took water aerobics and water polo for my PE credits in the spring semester and frequently got to watch snow falling while working out at the pool. If winter is bringing your fitness motivation to a full-stop, try a new fitness class. Maybe you will get the stress relief you need from a weekly bootcamp class. Cardio dance is so fun you might forget you’re working out at all. If the motivation you need is supporting a local cause, visit the new indoor cycling studio, Revolution Boone. The instructors offer cycling class every day except Sunday, and part of what you pay is given to a charity in Boone.
________
Articles written by students, for students
Nora Smith graduated ASU in December 2019 with a degree in Journalism after living with The Winkler Organization for 2 years. She is currently working in Pittsburg, PA. Follow Nora on Instagram.
Do you have a story to share?
Email us with your ideas and we’ll feature your article on our site!
Student Life 
