Keeping active during the winter months can be tough for cyclists, kayakers, runners, and others who enjoy exercising outdoors.
At the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, Fitness and Wellness Director Jennifer Ruis said that contributes to a decline in activity around the holidays.
"We tend to see some people go away, because everyone gets busy around the holidays," Ruis said. "Then, in January, people re-focus and it picks back up."
She said outdoor exercise enthusiasts who are hesitant to move their routines indoors should consider a gym membership during the winter.
Ruis added diversifying your workout routine can help to prevent the boredom often associated with running on a treadmill or lifting weights.
"Just try different things," Ruis said. "Grab a class schedule, or look around the gym for something you've never tried before."
Ruis said fitness classes can help keep you motivated as winter drags along.
Sue Rapp, who was participating in a spinning class at the YMCA in Waukesha on Wednesday, said she agrees.
"If you put me in a room by myself and say 'do it,' I won’t exercise," Rapp said. "But if you put me in a group setting and tell me to do the same thing, I will do it. Because it’s fun."
Rapp said the members of her spinning class hold each other accountable to make sure everyone is consistently showing up.
Rapp's class was exercising on brand new spinning bikes.
Vice President of Operations Kate Wall said the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County recently bought 140 of them in time for winter.
"We've seen over the years that cycling is something our members enjoy - especially during the winter months when they can't ride outside," Wall said. "So the timing was definitely intentional."
