Ed's Blog: Tips to Help You Make the Most of Winter

By Ed Griffin

Little tweaks and changes can help you get in better shape for running, walking, cycling or whatever your fitness passions are this year.

One could make a case for the best time of day to get exercise in, early morning, lunch time, or after work/school, but the reality is that they all work. Studies show if you can pick one, it will become a habit, part of your routine and you will stick with it.

During the winter months when light is hard to come by in the morning you may want to consider lunch time workouts as an option (if you do not do so already). The benefits of a lunch run, walk, or other exercise activity are abundant. A midday sweat session can reduce stress, improve brain power, lead to better memory, increase energy, and improve creativity.

If you are running and walking, cut yourself some slack in the winter, as it is not the time to think about how fast you are going. Winter is great for base-building and to build strength. If road conditions or temperatures prohibit outdoor activity, just move inside to a treadmill, track, or get some strength and/or flexibility work in.

Snow-covered roads can be excellent to run on. They can provide a level of cushioning that will surprise you. The biggest thing to pay attention to is your footwear. Be sure you have footwear that has aggressive treads on the shoe outsole (bottom) for safe traction and waterproofing should also be considered. Fleet Feet Syracuse has a complete selection of shoes that would fit the bill.

Ed Griffin and his wife Ellen own Fleet Feet Syracuse, which they founded in May of 2000. Fleet Feet Syracuse has received National Recognition as a Top 50 Running Store in America 12 years in a row and was named Best Running Store in America in 2012. Ed enjoys helping the team at Fleet Feet and our customers achieve their fitness and professional goals. In his spare time, Ed speaks to companies and organizations on a variety of topics, walks his dogs, enjoys good music and is the family chef. He can be reached at ed@fleetfeetsyracuse.com.