I grew up just outside of Chicago, so I’m all too familiar with bitter-cold winters, but I’ve been out of the icy cold winter season for years since we moved to Florida in 2003. Now I’m in North Carolina and anticipating my first real winter in 11 years. It’s time to bundle up, baby!
Knowing that my coldest winter in years is on the horizon, I took some time to brainstorm ways to remain active during the winter months to share as part of Columbia’s new initiative. I’d love to hear some of your ideas, too!
Tips for Staying Active During the Winter
- Keep At Home Workout Options On Hand
When it’s cold outside, there will inevitably be days that we won’t want to leave the comfort of a warm and cozy house. That’s when at home workouts come into play! Build a small collection workout DVDs, check out free fitness channels on YouTube or browse Pinterest for lots of at home workout ideas! If you happen to have an Amazon Prime membership, you can find tons of free workouts there as well!
- Bundle Up and Take Your Workout Outside
Even during the cold months, there are still tons of ways you can stay active outside. Grab a coat and have fun skiing, snowshoeing, building snowmen or snow forts and sledding. If it’s cold but there isn’t any snow on the ground, check out an indoor ice skating rink for some winter fun or bundle up and head out on a long hike!
Some new sure-to-keep-you-warm winter apparel favorites from Columbia:
I first had the chance to put Columbia’s famous TurboDown jacket to the test during a ski trip to Park City back in January and walked away raving about the heat-retaining powers of the Omni-Heat insulation (SO impressed!) and the lightweight yet incredibly warm down.
The silver lining you see is the Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology at work! The inside of the jacket is lined with tons of metallic microdots that reflect your own body heat back to you, making it 20 percent warmer than a normal liner. Sounds crazy, but after trying it out in Park City, I am a believer!
Another feature I somehow never hear people talk about that seriously impressed me is the way the TurboDown jackets can fold up and take up minimal space in a suitcase. When I think of down jackets, I always think of gigantic puffy coats that take up tons of space, but this jacket is somehow extremely lightweight and small but still incredibly warm.
In the winter months, warm feet = Happy feet! Columbia’s Minx Boots first caught my eye when I saw the company’s social media guru wearing them in Park City so I was quite excited to try a pair myself! I opted for the Minx™ Pull On Omni-Heat™ Print because I wanted a pair of boots I could easily pull on and off to take me to and from the gym during the winter, but I also wanted a waterproof boot I could wear on cold weather hikes.
These boots fit the bill and I love the fun print and cushioned sole. Plus, I have a feeling the Omni-Grip will come in handy when it gets icy outside or when I am hiking and need a good grip to keep me from sliding all over the trails.
- Participate in a Winter Workout Challenge (or Create Your Own!)
Sometimes a little friendly competition (even if its only with ourselves!) is all we need to get motivated to work up a sweat. Many gyms offer winter workout challenges but if you cannot find a fun challenge near you, reach out to some friends and create your own. Pick a prize that will motivate you (a new workout outfit, perhaps?) and make it a goal to work up a sweat four to five times a week. Support each other and hold each other accountable!
- Try a New Workout Class or Sign Up for a Local Running Club
Trying something new can do wonders when it comes to reigniting our love for fitness. Try taking a new workout class at your gym or sign up for a class you’ve never tried before at a local studio. (If the cold has your spirits at an all-time low, look for a hot yoga class to warm you up!) If you miss your summertime outdoor workouts, research local running clubs. Most running clubs meet up during the winter months, too!
- Train for a Race or Competition
There’s no denying the fact that having a goal makes it a little easier to commit to a fitness routine. By signing up for a race or local competition (look for indoor triathlons and CrossFit competitions), you’ll have a training plan to follow which may motivate you to stick to your workouts when curling up on the couch sounds more appealing.
Columbia Giveaway
And now it’s time for a winter giveaway! I have a feeling most of you out there are hoping to remain active through the winter months, so I’d love to send one reader their own Columbia Platinum 860 TurboDown jacket and another reader a pair of Minx boots in the style of their choice.
If you’re hoping to win the jacket, simply comment below and tell me which color you’d like from the options offered: Red (the one I have), purple, black or silver.
If you’re hoping to win the boots, let me know which style you like best! (You may see the 10 different style options of the Minx boots here.)
Or, if you don’t care which prize you win and are equally interested in both the jacket and the boots, tell me about some of your favorite *active* things to do during the winter months or some of the ways you motivate yourself to stay active in the winter.
I will randomly select two winners on Friday!
Good luck!
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Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Columbia through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Columbia outerwear, all opinions are my own. The giveaway portion of this post is not sponsored and I will personally be buying the winners’ prizes and mailing them to the winners. Good luck!
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I’d love the jacket in black!
honestly i would be super happy with either,but I would love the WOMEN’S MINX™ MID II OMNI-HEAT™ BOOT in shale and bright red. Thanks for the chance to enter!
I’d love a black jacket, but your pic kinda sold me on red too!
I like both the jacket and the boots! 🙂 One of the things I do during the winter but not as much other times of year is using my lunch hour to work out in the gym at my office building. That way I get my workout done and don’t even have to step outside, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything else during lunch because of the yucky weather outside. 🙂
I would love that jacket in silver. So cute! I love to snowboard in the winter, it’s a great workout for the quads and glutes!
You are the cutest!! I love how put together you always look, while still being comfortable. Since you look fabulous in the red jacket, I would love a chance to win it! I’ve always loved Columbia. My snowboarding gear is from them, although my board was stolen in college so I haven’t been in a few years. Probably a blessing with my coordination. 🙂
Thanks for putting a smile on my face when I read your blog. I always watch the cute videos you post. I especially liked the babies and dogs one. Good luck and have fun with your upcoming teaching gig!
I love the purple jacket. I love to snow shoe in the winter but I still make an effort to run outside as long as we don’t have snow or ice on the ground.
walking around neighborhood and hiking are my winter faves. I would love black coat and brown boots just like yours if I win. thanks so much!
Love the black jacket. Good luck in your first “real” winter!
I love to ski! Love the women’s minx mid II omni heat boot in gray!
Love those boots! I think I’d go for one of the midi boots so I can go trenching through a foot of snow.
Julie! I’m a long time blog lurker- this is my first time commenting! yay!
Anyway, I’ve been waiting for a post like this. I was born in sunny San Diego, but live in Minneapolis, and winters are horrible. Last year, we had 53 days that had a high BELOW ZERO. FIFTY THREE. I trained for a half marathon (a San Diego half) in December, and had to do my 12 mile run around a track. I would read your blog and wish that I was in Florida running around in the warmth like you were. With so many dangerously cold days, when the temperatures rise even just a little bit, i’m outside immediately looking for safe and active winter activities.
I’m am used to exercising less as soon as January hits, and sometimes gaining a bit of hibernation weight… then returning to my active self when the snow melts in.. May. But this year, I have a dog. I wake up early and walk Bear for an hour every morning. Now that the temperatures are starting to drop, I’m worrying about my safety and sanity during these early morning walks. I want to keep him exercised and happy, and I know with his double coat he’s not going to be AS sensitive to the winter as I am.
So there are two things that I’m planning on doing this year, to keep myself and Bear in good shape.
1) Indoor dog agility! Has Sadie ever tried dog agility or lure coursing? It’s a great way to get exercise for both dog and human. And it seems like great bonding.
2) For those days where being outside isn’t too dangerous- Skijoring. My boyfriend’s father has an old skijoring harness that they used to use for their dog. I’m planning on borrowing it for bear so he can pull me on skis. It might take some special training, but it’s great mental and physical exercise for a dog- gives him a job to do- and I can pretend I’m waterskiing. Sadie is such and active pup, maybe she’d like that too!
Just a few ideas. But I’m looking forward to following you through a real winter now! Good luck and stay warm.
And those boots…. they’re beautiful!
I motivated myself with half marathon training last year, which actually turned out to be quite miserable on a treadmill, LOL. This year i’m doing barre classes! I also drink a hot tea or coffee after my workout in the morning. 🙂
Oooh wow. I love all the colors, but I’m going to have to say Black because it just goes with everything!
I’d love the jacket in Black! I’ve been in the market for a new winter jacket for the past couple months!
I’d love to win a black jacket!
I would love either the black jacket or white boots! Both are darling! In the winter I like to take hot yoga or super sweaty group class that I know will warm me up.
I would love the red or purple coat! I’ve been looking at coats just like this one but just couldn’t decide on which brand was best.
I LOVE to ski in the winter months! The silver turbodown jacket would be ideal 🙂
I would love the purple jacket 😀
Hoping to not hibernate this year and do some outdoor activity!
I would definitely go for the boots…those bad boys are needed in Cleveland Ohio during the winter months!
I would love to win either! In the winter I love to ski, but I don’t get to do that much. I keep active in the cold by working out with a workout partner who keeps me accountable on those chilly days!
I love the Mid II Omni-Heat boots! I live in Washington state so I ski to stay active in the winters!
Ooo I love this jacket!! I would probably go with the red, but I like them all!
Having a dog is my motivation to stay active during the winter. She needs and deserves to get out whether it’s hot, cold or rainy. Knowing I am responsible for her well being is the best motivation to get my butt off the couch and still get outside.
I like the Minx Shorty Omni-Heat Print boots in Elk!
I love the taller Minx boots that lace up in grey! i really need better snow boots this winter (I froze last year!) and I am pretty sure I may end up buying these regardless!
I would love to own the Minx pull on boots for this upcoming winter. The word is that snow is supposed to be hitting hard and heavy this winter in GA.
The purple is great. My favorite winter activity is sledding with the kids. Dont like to commute in it but sure love to play in it!
I would happily take either.! Winter things I like to do include walking and sledding. I’ve never been brave enough to try skiing…
I would love to win the boots! The Minx Mid II in Red Dahlia would be perfect because I like to have a higher boot to trek through snow. I love my Colombia jacket with the Omni Heat as well! It gets to -40 here and I stay nice and toasty in my jacket.
During the winter I love to take my son out in the back yard. Our house is on a slight hill and so he and I sled down and then I carry him back up. I also like to go to a yoga class or run inside, especially during the coldest months. There is nothing more rejuvenating then working up a sweat and imagining I’m in a warmer climate while working out.
I will be signing up for more personal training lessons to stay active this winter!
Thank you!
I’d love to win the black jacket!
I love the jacket and fun boots equally. We have a cycling bike in the house that I use when it’s too cold and/or snowy out to really venture outside. I also have a mix of dvds that I use inside when I’m feeling less than inspired to brave the cold weather
I would love to win either, though I think I could really use a new coat! In the winter, I love to workout at the barre in my basement with PB DVD’s!
I would definitely go with the silver jacket!
The shortys are sooo cute! I love the Elk color.
I love the purple jacket and white boots! I’m currently living in SoCal so “winter” workouts haven’t been much of an issue, but when I’m visiting family in upstate New York, I love snowball fights!
I love the purple jacket!! How do I stay motivated to workout during the winter? Well, someone has to shovel the driveway.. what a workout that is!
I love going for walks in the winter. The air is crisp and refreshing. I would love either the boots that you have on or the jacket in black.
Ooh! Love the Minx boots and the red jacket. My favorite winter outdoor activity is hiking up short hills to go sledding dooooowwwwnnn them!
So nice that you are doing the giveaway on your own Julie! 🙂 My favorite thing to do in the winter is yoga indoors! I pop a dvd in and enjoy it without having to face the cold. It also warms you up and lifts your mood, which is enough to stay motivated to escape the winter blues!
I love the Minx Mid ii boot in the red with print. I need something sassy and warm to wear while pushing the stroller this winter as a new mommy.
Love the black jacket and bikram yoga in the winter!!!
I love cross county skiing in the winter. I finally got a nice pair of goggles last year and it makes all the difference! I’d love to win the Minx Mid II boot in shale. They look so comfy and warm and I love that they are a little taller. And grey is my favorite color so seeing the shale option is a definite selling point.
I love the silver jacket! I can’t wait for the winter months, and bundling up for a hike outside!
I would love the Women’s Minx ™ Shorty Omni-Heat™ in black for my trip to Flagstaff this December.
living in Chicago, I would get a lot of use out of either the coat or the boots! I love the purple coat. I plan to stay active this winter by walking to run errands whenever possible. I also like to hit up the gym at odd hours when it is a little less crowded with all the new years’ resolution folks.
The options are both great! I love yoga and Pilates videos! There are so many free ones online! Walks/hikes are another go to 🙂
I would love the purple jacket!