The Best Cold-Weather Workouts
Molly Creeden and Emily Rudisill, Vogue
When we read the news that a combination of sun exposure and endorphins from an outdoor winter workout could boost our moods and trick our bodies into believing it is spring, we couldn't get outside quickly enough. Here, Vogue's guide to the best winter workouts to keep your blood pumping and your energy high this season.
Cross-Country Skiing: Mont-Sainte-Anne Mountain Resort, Quebec
Technically, you don't need much more than the right skis and a glistening, snowy path for a cross-country workout-a true calorie burner that hits the whole body, from the arms to the core to the calves. For the red carpet of trails, head to Mont-Sainte-Anne where 125 miles of winding woods, meadows, and hills make for one of the sport's premier destinations. mont-sainte-anne.com
Boot Camp: Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp, New York City
"We have class rain or shine," says Ariane Hundt, founder of Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp, which rotates sets of tricep dips, shoulder presses, stair sprints, and squats with running intervals across the bridge, no matter how low the thermometer reads. The hour-long workout tones waists, hips, thighs and arms: "The reality is that within three to five minutes of the workout, people get so warm they actually take layers off," says Hundt. brooklynbridgebootcamp.com
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Snowboarding: Burton Snowboard Academy, Tahoe, California
The first of its kind, Burton's Snowboard Academy at Northstar in Lake Tahoe offers group and private lessons for students at all levels. The school's terrain and training program works the core, strengthens leg muscles, and hones balance by relying largely on upper-arm coordination-and promises to have beginners connecting turns on the first day. northstarattahoe.com
Fat Biking: Teton Mountain Bike Tours, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A close cousin to the mountain bike, fat bikes have wide, four-inch tires that produce a larger imprint on soft terrain, allowing riders to pedal easily over sand, marshes, and, of course, snow. Teton Mountain Bike Tours run several winter routes for groups throughout the colder months: You might take in Grand Teton National Park while pedaling its picturesque, plowed roads, for example. "You're not going as fast as you would on a road bike," explains owner David Hunger, "but you get a leg and lung workout, and it's great if you're looking for an alternative to skiing." tetonmtbike.com
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing Discovery Course, locations throughout the country
When the mercury drops below freezing, strap on your showshoes for a cardio workout that builds strength, balance, and endurance. At L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools, skilled instructors guide students through local trails while teaching the finer points of walking on snow. "Depending on the difficulty of terrain, depth of snow, and speed, you can burn between 400 and 900 calories per hour," says Mac McKeever, a spokesman for L.L.Bean. Used in combination with balance poles, you'll also feel a serious burn in your back, arms, and shoulders. llbean.com
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Running: Running Clubs, Boston and Chicago
Free yourself from the monotony of the treadmill by lacing up your sneakers and heading back out into the elements. Running clubs make training social and keep participants on track: Local marathoners can remain in shape by taking a frosty run along the Charles River with the Boston Athletic Association; in Chicago, Fleet Feet Sports is known for its personalized twelve-week training schedule for those preparing for the city's half marathon. fleetfeetchicago.com; baa.org
Heli-Skiing: Snowbird, Utah
If James Bond were in search of a winter workout, he'd most likely take his private helicopter to the farthest reaches of the earth in search of pristine powder for heli-skiing. For those who are not 007s, there is Powderbird, an adventure skiing company for the most daring of travelers, which will fly your group to Utah's untouched backcountry peaks. You'll have plenty of opportunities to work your core, glutes, and legs as you ski thirteen runs and 30,000 vertical feet. powderbird.com
Ice Skating: Lessons at Trump Rink in Central Park, New York City
Whether you're a beginner or have your sights set on taking home the gold in 2014, national- and international-level skating coaches at Trump Rink can develop a well-rounded workout on the ice that improves balance and coordination, and strengthens calf and thigh muscles. The rink also offers group classes for beginners with a U.S. Figure Skating skills curriculum. Just don't forget your bodysuit. trumprink.com
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