March 01, 2008 09:48 am We're all familiar with the challenges of an upstate winter. The concerns about traveling. Deciding whether to get snow tires. Avoiding the flu and other illnesses associated with the cold. Heating bills. City residents must take care to clear their sidewalks, while farmers have their own set of weather-related tasks. But one concern that may not enter the minds of many is the diminished chance for exercise. Sure, this won't affect everyone. Those with gym memberships may actually attend more often. Some people stick to indoor sports, while others dash outside to ski, snowboard or ice skate. Still others will just bundle up and venture out for a run. But there are many who will find their activity level diminishes greatly. It may be health reasons _ the cold or the worry about icy patches. If it's only 10 degrees out and it's windy, the motivation might not be there. And getting a gym membership isn't the answer for many _ it costs money, after all. But it's important that we try to exercise in some way. Why? There's a reason for almost anyone. Recently, it was announced that researchers will test if there's a link between exercise and the delay of Alzheimer's _ in onset and progression. There's no hard evidence, but there's plenty of circumstantial weight behind the theory. But there needn't be such a health crisis to find personal motivation to exercise, even in this rough weather. It could be to lose or maintain weight. It could be to train for a competitive sport or to be in shape for something recreational. It could to be to let off steam after a stressful day, or to try and keep a healthy guard against illness later in life. For those who are recovering from an injury, rehabilitation is often an important part, although a doctor's advice should be followed. For older people, being active through exercise can help ensure one can remain active in day-to-day life. Obviously, no one should go beyond his or her limits, and that includes knowing when it's too cold (and in the summer, too hot). For those who hate the idea of working out, exercise can come in many forms _ shoveling snow, walking the dog or performing household and property tasks. Not everyone need become a jogger. It's more important to find the time doing something you like. If possible, make it a social activity, to give shared motivation and make it seem less like a punishment or chore The important thing to remember, though, is that exercise has its health benefits at all ages and in all seasons.
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