This post is sponsored by EcoDrink. Thank you for supporting This Fit Chick’s sponsors. Please see my blog disclosure.
I know it’s easy to spend all day outside in the summer, but just because it’s colder doesn’t mean you should neglect your workouts. Fresh air and a kick of Vitamin D are essential in staying healthy over the winter season. Vitamin D helps keep your bones and immune system strong as well as give you an additional dose of happiness on top of what you are getting from your exercise. And, studies have shown that by exercising outside, you’ll actually get sick less often. The body adapts to the cold and, with time, strengthens the immune system against it. Today, I’m sharing my top tips for staying healthy while exercising outside this winter!
Rehydrate the right way
- With colder weather comes a greater chance of spreading and catching those nasty germs. While water is always a great choice for hydration, it’s especially important at this time to get a daily dose of vitamins and electrolytes too. This is where EcoDrink comes in! EcoDrink is a healthy and convenient way to get your recommended daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s charged with electrolytes and antioxidants to keep you hydrated and healthy. What I love about their Naturals line is that they use Stevia to sweeten it instead of artificial chemicals. There are also a ton of refreshing and delicious EcoDrink flavors like Berry, Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Mango. The yummy flavors provide energy and aid in muscle recovery so you can make the most of your outdoor workout!
Keep your workouts short and sweet
- Instead of spending an hour or more doing cardio outside, opt for shot and intense workouts- my favorite kind of workout! I love to do a quick and simple Tabata workout outside that goes like this:
Squat jumps- 20 seconds
10 second rest
Jumping jacks- 20 seconds
REPEAT x4
Mountain climbers- 20 seconds
10 second rest
Jump rope (mimic with a rope)- 20 seconds
REPEAT x4
Skaters- 20 seconds
10 second rest
Jumping lunges- 20 seconds
REPEAT x4
Jumping jacks- 20 seconds
10 second rest
Plank jacks- 20 seconds
REPEAT x4
Refuel with protein and carbs
- As you all know, it’s incredibly important to refuel with protein and carbs after a workout. Your body needs protein to help repair and rebuild and it needs carbs to help shuttle that protein along. Some of my favorite protein and carb snack combos are:
- An apple and a protein shake
- Cottage cheese with fruit
- Greek yogurt with cereal/granola
- Homemade protein bars
Keep electrolytes and antioxidants in your back pocket— literally!
- Sometimes after I workout outside, I like to walk around and wander the city. Since I’m not coming straight home afterwards, I have to pack my post workout snack and my refuel drink. What I love about EcoDrink is that the vitamins and electrolytes are packaged into little packets, so you don’t need to lug a full water bottle of the drink. You can simply pack one of their powder sticks in your running pouch and mix it into a water bottle when you get the chance. I even keep EcoDrink packets in my work bag for on-the-go hydration and a vitamin-fueled, tasty drink!
Curl up and get plenty of sleep
- Getting enough sleep is not only important for recharging your brain, but also, for recharging your muscles. Growth hormone is typically released when we sleep, allowing your muscles to regenerate and recover. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have time to properly recover, so curl up, grab your blanket and dream away!
Now you tell me…
Do you like to workout outside?
Have you ever tried EcoDrink?
Choose one flavor: Berry or Strawberry Lemonade?