Staying Active in Winter: Encouraging Fitness During Colder Months

As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, it’s easy for employees to let fitness routines slide. However, staying active during the winter months is essential for both physical and mental health. Regular exercise can boost mood, increase energy levels, and help employees avoid the winter blues. At Health Compass Inc., we believe that encouraging fitness throughout the colder months can create a healthier, more engaged workplace. Here are some effective strategies for promoting winter fitness and helping your team stay active, even when it’s cold outside.

1. Promote Indoor Fitness Options

Provide On-Site or Virtual Workout Classes

If your organization has space, consider offering on-site workout classes that employees can join before work, during lunch, or after hours. Activities like yoga, Pilates, or even group stretching sessions can help employees stay active without braving the cold. For remote or hybrid teams, virtual workout classes allow employees to participate from the comfort of their homes, helping them maintain a routine throughout winter.

Partner with Local Gyms

Many gyms and fitness studios offer discounted memberships for businesses. Partnering with a local gym provides employees with access to an indoor space where they can work out, regardless of the weather. Offer subsidies or reimbursements to encourage employees to join and make use of these facilities. Employees who feel supported in their fitness goals are more likely to stay committed, even during winter.

2. Encourage Active Breaks During the Day

Promote Stretching and Movement Breaks

Long hours at the desk can leave employees feeling stiff and fatigued. Encourage regular movement breaks throughout the workday to keep energy levels up and prevent aches and pains. Remind employees to stand up, stretch, and walk around at least once every hour. A five-minute stretch can work wonders for their focus and productivity.

Organize Walking Meetings

When possible, encourage walking meetings to get employees moving while they work. While outdoor walking meetings may be challenging in winter, indoor options like walking in hallways or around the office building can keep employees active. Walking meetings promote circulation, reduce stress, and provide a refreshing change from sitting in a conference room.

3. Host a Winter Wellness Challenge

Launch a Steps or Activity Challenge

A steps or activity challenge can help employees stay active during winter by adding a fun and competitive element. Challenge employees to track their daily steps or minutes of physical activity, and offer rewards for meeting weekly or monthly goals. Activity-tracking apps and wearable devices can make it easy for employees to monitor their progress and stay motivated.

Reward Participation

Make the winter wellness challenge inclusive and rewarding by recognizing all levels of participation. Instead of only rewarding the top performers, consider offering incentives for employees who achieve consistent participation, regardless of their performance level. This approach encourages everyone to get involved, fostering a culture of health and camaraderie.

4. Provide Resources for At-Home Workouts

Share Online Workout Resources

For those who prefer to stay home during the winter, share online workout resources that employees can access from anywhere. Many streaming services and fitness platforms offer free or low-cost workout videos, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to yoga and strength training. Providing a curated list of workout videos, apps, or websites can make it easier for employees to stay active on their own schedule.

Encourage Desk Exercises

Not all exercise has to be intense. Desk exercises, such as seated leg raises, chair squats, or stretching exercises, allow employees to stay active without even leaving their workspace. Share tips for desk exercises that employees can incorporate into their day, helping them maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tension while working.

5. Foster a Positive and Supportive Fitness Culture

Create a Fitness Buddy System

A fitness buddy system can keep employees motivated and accountable. Pair employees together based on shared fitness interests or goals and encourage them to check in with each other regularly. Fitness buddies can provide encouragement, share tips, and hold each other accountable, helping both stay active throughout winter.

Recognize and Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate employee fitness milestones, whether it’s completing a workout challenge, sticking to a fitness routine, or simply staying active. Recognizing these accomplishments shows that your organization values employee health and wellness. Consider small incentives like certificates, gift cards, or shoutouts in company newsletters to recognize employees’ commitment to staying active.

6. Emphasize the Mental Health Benefits of Staying Active

Educate Employees on Winter Fitness and Mental Health

During winter, many people experience seasonal mood changes. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Share information with employees about the mental health benefits of exercise, such as increased endorphin levels, improved mood, and reduced stress. When employees understand the mental health benefits of staying active, they may feel more motivated to keep moving, even in colder weather.

Encourage Outdoor Activity When Possible

For those willing to bundle up, outdoor activities can provide both physical and mental health benefits. A brisk walk in the fresh air, even on colder days, can improve mood and energy levels. Encourage employees to get outside for short periods when the weather allows. Exposure to natural light can help improve mood and boost vitamin D levels, further enhancing wellbeing.

7. Offer Flexibility to Accommodate Fitness Routines

Allow Flexible Scheduling

Allowing flexible work hours during winter can make it easier for employees to fit exercise into their day. For example, some employees may prefer to work out during daylight hours for added motivation, while others may find morning or evening workouts work best. Providing flexible schedules supports employees in balancing their work and fitness routines.

Encourage a “Work-from-Gym” Option

If your company offers remote work options, consider allowing employees to work from the gym or a fitness center for part of the day. For example, employees could spend an hour at the gym, then return to their work location or work from a mobile device. This option can help employees maintain their fitness without feeling pressured to fit it in after hours.

Keep Your Team Active and Healthy with Health Compass Inc.

Staying active during winter can be challenging, but it’s also essential for physical and mental wellbeing. By encouraging fitness during the colder months, you’re helping employees build resilience, boost their mood, and stay healthy. At Health Compass Inc., we’re here to support your organization with wellness strategies that keep employees engaged and motivated, no matter the season.

Are you ready to create a culture of wellness that lasts all year round? Contact us today to learn how we can help your organization stay active, healthy, and energized throughout the winter months.

---

Encourage fitness in your workplace this winter and help your team stay active, healthy, and motivated. Let’s make wellness a priority, no matter the weather.