2 Snow Workouts to Get Fit This Winter

Workout 1

This workout will be more of an endurance session. You'll be outside for 45 to 60 minutes and will want to keep your heart rate on the lower end of your target zone. This will vary for each person.  

• Shovel in a straight line with your dominant hand for a desired distance (example: 20 yards if you have the space)
• Return back to the start using the other hand
• Repeat this back and forth pattern for 45 to 60 minutes

It's important to use both sides of the body to ensure a more balanced approach.

Just because this isn't your typical gym session or setting, doesn't mean you shouldn't follow some smart training principles. Foam roll your legs, back, and any other "trouble" areas on your body. 

Complete a couple of mobility drills to open up your hips and upper back before heading outside. After you're finished and back inside, go through a 10-minute full-body stretching routine. This pre- and post-shovel routine will help with any aches and pains.

The workout includes a 10-minute warm up, 45 minutes of shoveling with a plan and 10 minutes of stretching. 

Make sure you are dressed appropriately, use your legs and whole body when you shovel and lift, and look into an ergonomically correct shovel to safeguard against discomfort and poor form.

More: Active Gear Scout: Winter Must-Haves For Athletes

Workout 2 

To spice things up a bit, you could make your second snow session a bit more exciting. Incorporate shoveling as a station in a circuit. This workout will vary depending on what you have access to. Here's one option:

• Station 1: Body weight squats - 20 reps
• Station 2: Left side shoveling - 20 yards
• Station 3: Body weight push-ups - 20 reps
• Station 4: Right side shoveling - 20 yards
• Station 5: Mountain climbers - 20 reps/leg

Repeat each station in order and record your time. Rest 90 to 120 seconds and repeat the stations 4 to 6 more times. Recording your time will allow you to keep track of your pace and gauge your intensity. 

You might feel a little silly completing a shovel circuit workout. Keep in mind, that we run inside on motorized "hamster wheels" for 45 minutes and don't go anywhere or sit all day only to head to the gym where we sit on machines.

Before you laugh and mock a workout using snow, why not give it a try? If there's snow on the ground, why not skip the 30-minute elliptical session and pick up a shovel? Not only will your body and mind thank you, but your wife or husband will appreciate a clean driveway too.

More: 8 Winter Activities That Burn Calories

Stay in shape in a fitness class.