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- Swimming – if you have
access to a heated pool,
there’s no reason to pack
away your swimsuit for the
winter. Many local councils,
schools and fitness centres
have indoor pools available
for lap swimming and aqua
classes, so check out what’s
available in your area. - Online exercise classes –
a quick search will find plenty
of these to choose from (both
free and paid), including
aerobics, resistance training,
dancing, pilates and yoga. - Resistance training –
a home-based resistance
training program (using light
weights, resistance bands
and your own body weight)
is a great indoor option you
can do at home with minimal
equipment. Start by seeing
an exercise physiologist
who can write you a tailored
program, advise you on
what equipment to get and
monitor your progress.- Exercise classes – indoor
classes are a great option
for winter and aren’t just
restricted to gyms. Many local
councils, community groups
and hospitals hold exercise
classes you can join, from
gentle exercise, yoga and
tai chi through to dancing
and strength training. - Home exercise
equipment – if you’re not
keen to walk outside in the
colder months and don’t
like the gym, consider an
exercise bike or treadmill
for home. You can buy or
hire them, so if you prefer
walking outside, most of the
year you could just hire one
for the winter months – most
places have a minimum hire
period of three months. ■
COLD WEATHER
EXERCISE OPTIONS
Waist-friendly
winter meal
ideasBREAKFAST: Try a bowl
of warm porridge (using
steel-cut or traditional rolled
oats) with stewed apple and
cinnamon for sweetness.LUNCH: Soups filled
with vegetables, legumes
and wholegrains (such as
minestrone or pumpkin and
red lentil) make the perfect
winter lunch. Make a big pot
on the weekend and freeze
in individual portions, ready
to take to work.DINNER: Casseroles and
curries can be made ahead of
time so they are ready to heat
and serve when you arrive
home. Use lean meats and
chicken, legumes (such as
beans, chickpeas or lentils)
and lots of vegetables,
combined with canned
tomato, stock and fresh or
dried herbs and spices.DESSERT: Baked apples or
poached pears with a dollop
of Greek yoghurt make a
warm and tasty dessert. Or try
making your own apple or
pear crumble using natural
muesli for the topping.