Eight Alternative Aerobic Activities For A Worthwhile Indoor Winter Workout

This column written by Kat Banks of PortlandSports.com, a partner of Oregon Sports News

Portland’s winters are wet and unwelcoming, but that doesn’t deter some of the city’s steadfast and strong-willed citizens from sticking to a regular exercise routine. Maintaining motivation through the dark and dreary months, however, often proves to be a problem for Portlanders. Cold conditions can quickly transform your favorite warm-weather workout regimen into a difficult, dull and discouraging daily duty.

If running in the rain has you in a rut, a fresh and fun indoor fitness plan is the best way to beat the boredom. Read on to discover eight invigorating ideas that will inspire you to defeat the drizzle, conquer the cold and learn to love your winter workouts.

1. Boost Your Brawn at a Rock Climbing Gym

Climbing is a challenging, complete-body workout that combines cardio with strength training for a superior fitness system. Portland is home to five climbing centers scattered throughout the city as well as dozens of other gyms that contain climbing walls. Most specialty climbing centers offer one-time or short-term passes, allowing novice climbers an affordable way to check out the fun, fascinating, fast-paced world of rock climbing first-hand.

2. Get Going Gracefully at Dance Class

Dance is an extremely effective exercise that makes fitness fun and fabulous. It offers a killer combination of cardio, endurance and strength training for a wonderful whole-body workout. Dance is a diverse discipline, so you are sure to find a class that caters to your needs regardless of your skill level, age and style preferences. Portland is home to several studios and gyms that offer day, night and weekend dance classes for adults, so your only challenge is choosing which class to take first!

3. Opt In for Open Court Sports

Athletic activities are an awesome way to workout, but long-term sports leagues aren’t for everyone. Open court sessions are a great way to get in the game without committing to a strenuous schedule. Portland is full of fitness facilities and sports-specific spaces that offer open court opportunities once or more per week. Anyone is welcome during designated open play periods, though drop-ins should typically expect to pay a small facility-use fee. Search online or using Yelp to find a close and convenient facility with open play opportunities that fit in your schedule.

4. Perfect Your Poses at Yoga

Across the U.S., yoga has gradually grown into one of the most popular practices for fitness fans. If you’re looking for a wonderful, warm way to workout in the wintertime, yoga is an outstanding option. Portland’s streets are packed with yoga studios, making it easy to find a comfortable and cozy class close to your office or home. Investing in a monthly or seasonal pass is the often the best bang for your buck, though some studios offer further fee flexibility through donation-based classes.

5. Go to Groupon to Get on the Move

Some people thrive off of a regular routine with a set schedule, while others enjoy the novelty of new challenges. If you want to workout this winter but aren’t ready for a rigid regimen, sites like Groupon, Yelp and Living Social offer innovative ideas to help you find inspiration. To shake up your exercise sessions this season, scroll through these sites to find different and diverse deals right in your neighborhood. Challenge yourself to find a fresh fitness activity each week or month to keep your winter workouts exciting, encouraging and engaging.

6. Skate to Stay Slim and Speedy

If you’re like most Portlanders, you probably don’t remember the last time you put on a pair of ice or roller skates. Despite skating’s reputation as an adventure reserved for adolescents, it is actually an advantageous aerobic activity for adults as well. Portland is home to two roller rinks, one at Oaks Amusement Park and the other at Mt. Scott Community Center, as well as an ice skating rink in Lloyd Center. There are also ice skating facilities in Beaverton, Vancouver and Sherwood and a roller skating rink in Gresham.

7. Enjoy Eco-Friendly Exercise at a Green Gym

Getting exercise is always a great thing, but joining a green gym can take your regular fitness routine to the next level. Green gyms give members the chance to exercise in an energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, Earth-conscious and eco-friendly way. Portland is home to the country’s first green gym company, Green Microgym, which opened its flagship location in 2008. These fitness facilities are powered by solar panels and energy gathered from their exercise machines, such as stationary bikes and treadmills. If you want to feel good about your fitness habits, consider helping the planet while helping your health by joining a green gym.

8. Swim Laps to Load Up on Lean Muscle

Swimming is a stellar, full-body fitness activity that combines cardio, endurance and strength. Portland is home to plenty of indoor pools whose warm waters are wonderfully welcoming during the winter months. Whether you want to try your hand at water aerobics or set out to swim some laps, periodically paying a visit to one of Portland’s public pools will improve your strength and help you stay in shape this season. Most indoor swimming sites offer both monthly memberships and per-use pricing, so winter water workouts are a practical and positive addition to anyone’s aerobic agenda.