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Offers Tips for Staying Fit This Winter
When the temperatures drop, don’t let your activity levels
drop off, too — especially if you normally spend the
holidays around the buffet table. Soccer player Christie
Rampone offers tips for staying fit this season.
“Living in a cold-weather state can be challenging in the
winter, but I try to do outdoor activities as much as possible,”
says Christie, an Olympic athlete, medal winner, working mom,
and spokesperson for K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center. “I try not to use the weather as
a reason not to exercise.”
Taking the dog for a walk is a great way to exercise outdoors,
Christie says. And so is sledding. “The longer and steeper the hill, the
farther and harder it becomes to walk back up, and the kids love it!”
Olympic athlete and working mom Christie Rampone doesn’t let
winter weather interrupt her family’s fitness routine. Indoors or
out, there are lots of ways to keep moving.
Meridian Health
Snow Day Safety Tips
When it’s cold out, keep in mind these tips for staying safe and
warm while working out:
• Warm up first. Your muscles, ligaments, and tendons are
more likely to get injured when cold.
• Dress in light layers. The innermost layer should be made
of breathable fabric that lets sweat pass through. Avoid
tightly woven fabrics or heavy cotton sweats. The outer
layer should protect you from the wind. “Technology has
allowed for better winter clothes,” Christie says. “They’re
lighter weight while still keeping you warm and dry.”
• Don’t forget your hat. Up to 50 percent of body heat lost
while outside comes from a bare head and neck.
• Drink plenty of fluids. It’s easy to get dehydrated without
realizing it in cold weather, so be sure to bring your water bottle.
When to Move It Inside
Another option is to move your favorite summer activity
inside. Walk at the mall, swim in an indoor pool, or shoot
hoops on an indoor court.
You might also consider a gym membership for your family.
“I attend the Training Room in Avon and Point Pleasant for kettlebell,
cardio, and yoga workouts,” says Christie. “For the kids, you can rent a
facility like Stainton Sports in Neptune for soccer or lacrosse.”
At home, a new fitness toy — such as a stability ball, hand
weights, an exercise DVD, or a fitness video game — can boost
your motivation.
“The hardest thing to do is get in shape after gaining weight
and avoiding activity, so don’t let the cold weather and holiday
time interrupt your routine,” Christie says. • — Gabriella Heizler
Keep Up with Christie!
Resident soccer star Christie Rampone offers more fitness
tips and insights into parenting in her blog on Meridian
Momtourage. Check it out today at MeridianMomtourage.com.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
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