Getting more exercise is a priority for many of us this winter. In fact, 44 percent of people surveyed in a Statista poll reported adding exercise to their list of  New Year’s resolutions. Although staying active during the winter months does take a little more effort, there’s no shortage of ways to get in a workout in Central New Jersey. Here are a few ideas and tips that will help you get moving this season.

Take It Outside

Cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from hiking or taking a walk around your neighborhood. No matter how low the temperature, dressing in layers will help you stay warm during your walk. The American Heart Association recommends wearing a moisture-wicking fabric next to your skin, followed by fleece and waterproof layers. Layers keep heat from escaping and can be easily shed if you get too hot.

If you're looking for an activity that is a little more vigorous, our area has plenty of winter sports for you to try — whether you enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, show shoeing or ice skating. With many New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania ski resorts just an hour or two from Central New Jersey, you won’t have to drive far to enjoy your favorite outdoor activity.

Download an App

No matter what type of activity you prefer, you’re bound to find an app for it! Using a workout app can be the next best thing to having a personal trainer. Features vary from app to app but may include:

• Multiple workouts to prevent you from getting bored
• Meal plans and recipes
• Easy-to-understand instructions
• Goal-setting capabilities
• Performance statistics
• In-app challenges
• Calorie counters
• Workout reminders

Create a Home Gym or Upgrade Your Existing Gym

Snow-covered roads or lack of a babysitter won’t prevent you from getting your workout in when you have your own gym in your house. Depending on the amount and size of the equipment you plan to buy, you can create a small exercise area in the corner of your family room or turn a spare bedroom into a gym.

A finished basement is an ideal location for a home fitness center. In addition to adding exercise equipment, you’ll have plenty of room to install a putting green or add a golf, baseball, soccer, hockey or football simulator.

Having trouble finding a new home that provides ample room for exercising? Many of Country Classics’ homes offer full, spacious basements with plenty of room to create the ultimate home gym.

Go Old School

Gym equipment isn’t an absolute necessity. In fact, you can get a full workout at home without any special machines or devices. Walk up and down the stairs to get your heart pumping, then grab two cans of soup and strengthen your arm muscles with a set of biceps curls. Many everyday items in your home can become part of your workout routine, including these 30 items recommended by Bicycling.

Dance the Night Away

Regular dance sessions improve your balance, strengthen your bones and muscles, and may even reduce your risk of developing dementia. Luckily, you don’t have to have impressive skills to enjoy the many benefits of dancing. Whether you prefer to freestyle it in the privacy of your living room or take a dance class, moving to your favorite tunes will give you an aerobic workout.

Try Ice Fishing

Ice fishing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about winter activities, but it’s an excellent way to get a little exercise and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. Budd Lake (Morris County); Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County); and Deer Park Pond (Warren County) are popular spots for ice fishing, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. For safety’s sake, make sure the ice is at least four inches thick or thicker when fishing.

Does your current home lack enough room to exercise? Why not upgrade to a brand new home or apartment in one of the Country Classics communities in Central New Jersey? Homes feature plenty of space to add a home gym, while our luxury apartment communities offer on-site fitness facilities. Would you like to learn more? Get in touch with us today.