Staying Active in Cold Weather

Here in New England, our evening walking group has stopped for the season. It was a nearly unanimous decision, given the recent daily rain, dropping temperatures and earlier sunsets. I was the only holdout in the vote to stop walking until spring.

If I’m going to continue to get any exercise as fall moves into winter and it’s too cold to go out, I’m going to have to plan for it and buy a few small pieces of equipment to keep in the house.

If you’re also forced indoors by cold weather, a “mini stepper” can serve as a temporary replacement for outdoor walking or using a treadmill at the gym. The mini stepper has a place for both feet, and you just walk in place.

The one I have my eye on is the The Wagan Compact Mini Stepper Exerciser, Model 2272. I found it on the Safe Home Products website (www.safehomeproducts.com). This stepper has a tubular steel frame with handholds for better balance, adjustable tension for a harder or easier workout, and it only takes up about 1 square foot of floor space.

If you aren’t sure of your balance, a “peddler” might be perfect for you. With a peddler, you sit in a chair and peddle like you’re on a bicycle.
To make sure of getting an upper-body workout, take a look at handheld weights. If weight on your hands is a problem, you might want the kind that strap to your wrist. Either one would give a mild workout to shoulders and arms.
Before you purchase any exercise gear, ask your doctor if he thinks it would be right for you.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

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