The Polar Vortex has definitely brought cold weather throughout much of the US. Many people have become faced with deciding how to keep their walking program going in such harsh conditions. There are some that have been affected that are not prepared for such harsh conditions and they opt for missing their daily walk instead of battling the bitterly cold conditions outdoors. There are many other choices to choose from when you are determined to walk each and every day.

If you are in an area where cold weather is the norm in the winter months then you probably have the proper clothing for being in subzero weather. If you have the proper protection then by all means walk outdoors. It is so wonderful to be outside and getting fresh air and sunlight. When you can, go outside and enjoy it all. Be safe and cover your skin to protect from frostbite. Be smart about when and where you walk, but enjoy it and have fun.

If you do not live in an area that dips down into sub zero temperatures on a regular basis then you probably do not have the necessary clothing to protect you enough to walk outdoors in such harsh conditions. Protecting yourself from the bitter cold is important to your overall health. Walking is also important to your overall health. Luckily, there are simple solutions to keep you walking and healthy, even when it is bitterly cold outside.


Tips for Walking Indoors

• Walking on a track in a gym. There are some gyms with walking tracks, usually the larger facilities. These tracks often have rules as to which direction you need to walk in and where to walk so that runners can share the track.
  
  
• Walking videos for home use. Leslie Sansone has a series of walk at home videos that are wonderful to get your walk on. Many cable companies offer OnDemand exercise videos and offer a small range of walking videos to check out as well.
  
  
• Walking at your local mall. There are many people that meet up at the mall before it even opens it stores to get their daily walking goals met.. On cold, uncomfortable days grab a friend and join them.
  
  
• Walking at a gym or at home on a treadmill. Many gyms are now available at incredibly affordable prices and without contracts these days. During the winter months it may be worth it to get a few months of a gym membership to use their treadmill. Of course another option is to invest in a treadmill for your home and anytime the weather is bad you can still get your walking in.
  

Cold weather can be an obstacle but there is no reason to stop walking when the weather is bad. Create a backup plan and stick to it. It helps to walk with a friend so that you can work together to motivate each other on days when it is easier to just stay snuggled up under the covers.

If you have any tips or advice for walking in extreme cold weather please visit the Walking forum and share with us all.