Walking is one of the best activities for improving wellness. We've created a list of ways to smoothly transition to winter walking:
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Reduce Your Pace: Slowing down can help you maintain your balance and avoid slipping on icy or snowy surfaces.
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Build Gradually: Walking on icy or snowy terrain means you use your muscles differently, leading to fatigue and potential overuse injuries. Use the 50% rule - when there is new snow or icy conditions, reduce the length of your first walk by 50% (ie. 50% of 60 mins = 30 mins.) If your body feels good and you don't have any new (lasting) aches or pains afterwards, you can increase your next walk by 50% more (50% of 30 mins = 15 min. more than last walk). If you do have lasting symptoms, reduce the length of your next walk, or keep it the same until you no longer experience them.
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Utilize Grips for Better Traction: Consider using footwear with specialized grips or adding traction devices to your shoes to enhance stability on slippery ground.
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Consider Using Walking Poles: Walking poles can provide extra support and help you navigate through snow, making your walks safer and more enjoyable. Bonus: you get an extra upper-body workout!
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Take Advantage of Daylight: Plan your walks during daylight hours to get the health-enhancing benefits of sun exposure.
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Dress in Layers for Comfort: Layering your clothing allows you to adjust to changing temperatures while keeping you warm and comfortable during your winter walks.
By following these tips, you can make your winter walking experience safer and more enjoyable. And if things don't go as expected, the experienced therapists at Thrive Therapy are here to keep you moving and feeling your best!
