illustration by Ren Rader

The thing about Texas winters is that they get just cold enough to make it uncomfortable to go outside but not cold enough for any stereotypical winter activities. Although winter doesn’t technically arrive until Dec. 21st, with the weather getting colder, here are some ways to stay active.

Do It Inside!

One way to stay active is to bring your exercise indoors. Exercising inside is a great way to beat the elements and you don’t necessarily need access to a gym to do it. Using dumbbells or resistance bands is a great way to get some gains. There are also tons of equipment-free workouts on the internet that are easy and fun to follow! Try some yoga to unwind as we start the stressful end of the semester, or try some cardio to get your heart rate up and your blood flowing. If you live in place with thin walls, like Witt-Winn or a small apartment, you can find low-impact workouts online so you can stay active without including your neighbors. I personally love to put in my headphones and follow along with a dance workout on my laptop! Not only is it fun, but it’s also an easy way to stay active and get a boost of energy after a long day of online classes.

Do It For The Prize!

With everything being online these days it’s so easy to find yourself sitting inside all day. It’s no secret that going outside is great for your mental health, but actually going outdoors when it’s cold and when it’d be so much easier to wrap yourself in a blanket and watch Netflix is tough. One way I like to incentivize myself is to have a warm treat waiting for me when I get back. The treat can be a hearty soup, a mug of hot chocolate, or even a bag of popcorn. I find it’s best if I choose something that can quickly be popped into the microwave when I get back or something that I can leave in a thermos so it’s still warm when I get back.

The point of this warm treat is motivation, but it also helps if you have a concrete goal. When I go out for a walk on a cold day, I make it a point to go a certain distance before I let myself turn around and head home. You can set a minimum time limit, a minimum distance, or walk to a landmark and back. Setting a goal you can reach is a great way to motivate yourself to stay active, and when you reach that goal it makes the warm treat you’ve set aside for yourself feel all the more earned. On days when I go for a bike ride, I combine my goal and my reward. Instead of having a mug of hot chocolate waiting for me at home, I bike to a nearby coffee shop or bakery. Not only is it nice to rest after tackling San Antonio’s brutal hills, but it’s also a great way to support local businesses (just don’t forget to bring your mask!).

Do It With a Friend!

Another way to make the cold more bearable is to be active with a friend. Of course, it is important to be safe and socially distanced if you’re going to be around other people, but taking a hike with a friend is a great way to enjoy nature and another person’s company. However, be careful when picking a trail. A mask is useful in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping your face warm, but on a challenging hike it can make it very hard to breathe. Trails like the ones at Brackenridge Park that are fairly flat are great for socially distanced hikes with a friend, but if you want to tackle the more rocky trails at Friedrich Wilderness Park, it’s best to do those solo or with a member of your household.

Socializing outside doesn’t necessarily have to include exercise. Just being outside and enjoying nature allows you to reap the many benefits that the great outdoors has to offer. One way to do this is to have a socially distanced picnic in a park. Try going around noon to avoid the coldest parts of the day and be sure to bring extra blankets—some to sit on and some to wrap around yourself. Alternatively, gather with your friends at an evening bonfire. There’s nothing like a toasty fire and s’mores to warm you up on a chilly night, and it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and good company. Plus, it’s so easy to socially distance so long as everyone sits six feet apart.

Don’t let the cold stop you from being active. As long as you follow these easy tips, you’ll make the most of your Texas winter!