How to keep your fitness going during the winter months

By Tony Bennett

In the Northland, it's easy to get outside and enjoy all manner of activities that can contribute positively to one's fitness. It doesn't even really cost anything to go for a swim or a hike, and then there's bike riding and outdoor sports and running and everything else.

And then there's the wintertime. Those who are able will find things to do outdoors, even in the cold. There are options — hockey, skiing, curling — but those options aren't easily accessed by all. And it just gets tough when it gets really cold and dark to stay motivated, or to find the time for an outdoor trudge. Around here, the winter blahs can set in without warning. Before you know it, it's been weeks since you broke a sweat, and your mental and physical health are bottoming out.

What to do, then? How does one stay active and focus on their fitness when it's not as easy to just march out the door and into an adventure?

"I think the biggest thing is finding something active that you're interested in," said Emily Ranta, executive director of the downtown branch of the Duluth Area Family YMCA, “whether that's an outdoor activity in the winter or something at an inside location, like the Y.

"The nice thing about the Y is that there's a lot to choose from," Ranta continued. "We have more than just treadmills and heavy weights. We like to say that the Y is more than a gym-and-swim. We have the basic amenities that you expect — ellipticals, bikes, weights. On top of that, we have basketball gyms at all our facilities. A lot of members will come and shoot hoops for 30 minutes to get in their cardio."

Then there are the class offerings at the YMCA — about 75 a week.

"They range from plyometric classes to gentle yoga," Ranta said. "We have aqua aerobics. We have a traditional muscle-pump class. A wide variety of group-exercise classes. Raquetball. Adult volleyball leagues. Both facilities have indoor tracks for walking and running on, and then there's a lot of opportunities to just be active in our pool areas."

Keeping moving through the winter months, then, is easy with a YMCA membership. No matter what one might be interested in, as Ranta puts it: "The Y has something for everyone, from ages four months — when they can start playing in the kids' club, up through, you know, 100 years old. We have members that come in at age 92 on a daily basis to continue their active lifestyle."

"The nice part," Ranta said, "is that there is seasonality with who we see, but the activities remain constant, year-round, so for people that like that routine and a set schedule, the Y can offer that."

This means people who might favor shooting hoops outside in the spring, summer, and fall can keep their habits intact even when the courts outside are covered with a foot of snow.

Kristin Hill, founder and owner of Duluth Yoga, has many different kinds of classes to offer her clients. But she encourages people to not be afraid to go out in the cold for exercise, as well.

"I really believe that," Hill continued, "at Duluth Yoga, it's an experience — and that's really what we strive to do, to create an atmosphere or community that gives people a holistic experience. It's a beautiful space. It's calm. It's soothing. Music plays a big part. We use a lot of essential oils. And then you have the movement with the yoga, as well, so a lot of the senses are intentionally covered when you come to that space."

Hill has many options for her students, from simple introductory classes to high-level ones. Duluth Yoga works with people to determine the best route to whatever their individual goals might be.

"It might be stress management," Hill said. "Some might be more strength-related."

There are private options, as well, for those who might be nervous about being in a room and practicing yoga with others.

The Duluth Area Family YMCA offers a variety of classes, such as plyometrics, gentle yoga, aqua aerobics, traditional “musclepump” and group-exercise classes.

"I'm a huge advocate of being outside," she said, "and finding a sport or activity that you love to do in the wintertime. It's extremely healthy to be out in nature and get fresh air."

When the elements are too much, though, Hill has options.

"At the studio, we use infrared heating panels for our classes," she said. "That has lots of therapeutic benefits. It increases the circulation in your body. It allows your tissues to heat up sooner, so you can stretch easier, with less chance of injury. And that overlaps into what people do on a daily basis — even getting out of bed.

"All our teachers do private classes," Hill said. "We've had many people do that. They [might] want to to a couple private sessions, just one-on-one, to learn what it's about and how to do it best for themselves before they join a group. I think a lot of people do get intimidated going to a new space.

"It's really important to emphasize that it's not about being good at it," Hill said. "You just get to show up and move your body and you will simply benefit. It's not about being good or bad at it."

That's the key, and there are many local options for those looking to stay in motion during the sometimes-difficult winters in this region, even when climbing out from under a blanket seems like the last thing you might want to do. D

Samantha Roffers, a Moose Lake writer, believes it’s important to shop for things you love and feel comfortable in. Everyone’s style is unique and that’s what makes it so special.

By Samantha Roffers

Hello, dear readers!

Fall is here.

I certainly felt the bittersweet end of summer, when school supplies appear, the days get shorter, pumpkin spice lattes make a comeback (yum) and summer clothes go on clearance. While I love cozy sweaters, warm drinks, comfort food and fall leaves, it is always hard to say goodbye to another sweet but short summer.

One thing I love about fall, however, is fall fashion. Warm earth tones, thick sweaters, scarves and boots all make their way to the front of my closet. For this issue of The Woman Today, we traveled over the bridge to Goodwill.

I was so excited about the challenge of thrifting for this issue. Becoming a mom and managing finances for a household of four has taught me to be frugal. It has also opened my eyes to the amount of waste my family creates. We have closets and drawers full of clothes. Sometimes I swear they only wear something once or twice before it becomes too small and ends up being donated.

Every time we purchase something new, even if we dispose of it responsibly, there is always a chance of it ending up in a landfill. By buying used clothing, you are helping to break the cycle of over-consumption and waste.

I think there is an unfortunate misconception about shopping at thrift stores that you have to be within a lower economic class to participate. That could not be further from the truth. Thrifting is not only great for the environment, but it also puts money back in your pocket, keeps people employed and gives you a chance to score some incredible deals.

I had a chance to sit down with Dodie Brown, president and CEO of Goodwill in Duluth, and Scott Vezina, director of communications and marketing, before I began shopping. I was able to learn about the true mission that lies within Goodwill and I was completely inspired. As Dodie said so beautifully, “You change lives when you shop here,” which is so very true.

Due to the nature of the article, I was able to try clothes on while I shopped, but at this time Goodwill’s dressing rooms are closed. Watch their website, www.goodwillduluth.org, for updates.

I encourage you to all go do some thrifting this fall. I was blown away by my fall finds and had a great time scoring some incredible deals.

Now, let's get into the adorable outfits I found. D

by Sam

This first look just screams fall. This mustard colored sweater, cozy scarf, leggings and adorable leather boots make me want to go play in the leaves with my kiddos and sip a hot apple cider. You could easily pair this sweater with jeans and a vest for a perfect casual look as well.

Look No. 2 uses the same awesome sweater and boots from the first outfit, paired with this gorgeous black-and-mustard shawl. The buttons and fringe add an adorable and unique touch. This is the right thickness for warmth and could easily be paired with other colors, and it’s perfect to keep on hand for chilly nights.

Look No. 5 is another great office outfit, featuring a floral top with beautiful subtle earth tones which would make it easy to pair with many sweaters, cardigans and jackets. This cardigan is so cozy and the beautiful sand color is a great neutral piece. This look could be paired with jeans or slacks, whether you want to dress it up or down.

4 6

Look No. 3 is a show stopper! This look is giving me all the sassy vibes in the best way. You could substitute skinny jeans for leggings for a more casual look or add some slacks and heels to dress it up and make it more sophisticated. I paired this gorgeous red suede blazer and cheetah top with leggings and black booties.

3 5 7

Finally, this gorgeous green sweater has such a great fit and length and it pairs perfectly with leggings. This is the ultimate holiday sweater, in my opinion, perfect for a Christmas or Thanksgiving get-together. It’s ultra forgiving along the midsection so you can indulge in all your favorite fall treats without having to worry about a bloated tummy stealing your gorgeous thunder.

Look No. 4 is one of my favorites — it’s the perfect casual outfit, in my opinion. I paired this super soft “dog mom” tee with an oversized flannel shirt and leggings. I would definitely pair this with some sneakers or hiking boots. This is a great option for lazy days at home and casual errand running.

This outfit features the same awesome cheetah top from look No. 3. The shirt is so adorable that it definitely deserves its own recognition. It also shows the versatility of this top to easily go from business to casual.