This post is sponsored by Sierra and ShopStyle.
It’s hard to believe that we are nearly one year into living this masked and socially distanced life. While overall I feel fortunate in many ways to be safe at home, healthy and employed, the changes in friendships and regular routines have really started to wear on me. I feel disconnected in many ways and I’m anxious to see what life looks like as we begin to emerge from the pandemic.
Being active and getting outside has always been one of the best tools in my toolbox when it comes to mental wellness and it’s been more important than ever this past year. That being said, January and February can be tough months for me when it comes to staying active and getting outside due to a combination of things including it being a busy season for my work, shorter days, post-holiday blahs and cold/wet weather.
Today I’m sharing six ways to stay active and socially distanced this winter along with where to get your gear for it at amazing off-prices!
1. GO OUT INTO YOUR YARD AND DO SOMETHING
know this sounds silly and maybe overly simple, but I can’t tell you how much personal satisfaction I get out of doing small things in the yard. It might be blowing off the patio and walkways, raking leaves, throwing the ball to Benji and Zoey or playing a game with Finn. These things all get me active and feeling happy at home.
2. TAKE A SOCIALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR YOGA OR FITNESS CLASS
Here in Charlotte, there are a lot of options for socially distanced outdoor yoga and fitness classes. As long as it’s not raining and you have the right gear to keep you warm, this is an awesome way to get motivated and moving. It’s an especially great choice if you really thrive on working out with others.
3. TURN YOUR LIVING ROOM (OR BATHROOM!) INTO A YOGA OR FITNESS STUDIO
More comfortable staying close to home? No problem. One of the silver linings of the past year is that online fitness options have exploded, and you can now take studio-quality classes in the comfort of your own home with incredible instructors from around the world. Don’t forget! I just launched an online platform, and you can take yoga and fitness classes with me! Get your 14-day FREE trial here.
Pro tip: so many of my yoga students use bathrooms as their practice space because they can easily heat the room with heaters for a sweaty practice. 🙂
4. MEET FRIENDS FOR OUTDOOR RUNS OR WALKS
Meeting friends for outdoor runs and walks (or play dates) has been a lifeline for social connection and it comes with a great bonus of getting fresh air, vitamin d and exercise. My spirits are always lifted after one of these friend dates.
5. SEEK OUT A NEW LOCAL HIKING OR NATURE TRAIL
For whatever reason, I used to always associate hiking with mountains and I always felt like I had to drive 1-2 hours outside of Charlotte to get anywhere to hike. Then I moved into a neighborhood where I had access to a wonderful hiking/nature trail and realized that I could get that hiking fix right in my own neighborhood. It surprises me how much peace and grounding that I feel when I am on the trail. There are so many trails like this to explore in my local area that don’t require a trip to the mountains.
6. GET ACTIVE WITH YOUR DOGS
It’s no secret that dogs can help you feel less lonely while also reducing stress and easing anxiety and depression. Personally, I find that my dogs are an effective catalyst for getting me out of my house and doing something active outside on days that I would rather not venture out. I know how much they enjoy going on walks and other adventures and it’s so rewarding for me to see them happy and to give them the exercise that I know they need.
GET THE GEAR YOU NEED AT AMAZING PRICES FROM SIERRA
Another thing that helps tremendously is having the right gear for whatever activity I’m going to take on. Friends, I just learned about Sierra recently and I’m excited to share the news with you too! Sierra is part of the TJMaxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods family and they are all about helping you to get active and outside with a huge selection of epic and well-known brands at teeny tiny prices.
Sierra is your go-to destination for active and outdoor apparel/gear this winter. Whether you need activewear for your indoor workouts, the perfect jacket for your outdoor adventures, trail-friendly shoes or just a new pair of running socks, Sierra has what you need at prices that you will love. Sierra offers top active and outdoor brands at low prices. You’ll typically find things about 20%-60% less than department and specialty stores.
I spent hours scouring their site to pull some favorites that will give you an idea of the gear that you can find on Sierra for all of your adventures from bathroom hot yoga to outdoor running to hiking and more.
- Crop Top (with built in bra!)
- Training Zip Neck
- Split Second Shorts
- Fortify Capris
- Ultralight Running Socks
- Trail Running Shoes
If you love the TJMaxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods family of brands as much as I do for the savings and great selection, and also like to be active and get outside, you’re sure to be a fan of Sierra. I can’t wait to hear about the great activewear that you find! 🙂
QUESTIONS
How are you staying active this winter? Are you doing more indoor or outdoor workouts?
What’s your favorite back yard activity?
Have you taken any outdoor yoga or fitness classes?
love all these reminders and ways to stay active…i’m always just trying to move my body and doing a mix but I find that if I just start to move, i’m able to get more energy and i’m motivated to keep going. we’ve spent a ton of time in the backyard..I love to create obstacle courses for the kiddos.
We’ve been doing family runs with my husband pushing the jogging stroller and then ending at the park for my 2.5 yr old to play. It’s actually been pretty nice here in Denver with today’s high in the 60’s so we spent some extra time at the park today!
I always start my morning, freezing cold or hot with a 30-40 min walk with my pup. She’s almost 10 so our pace is sometimes quick and others I’m telling her we need to keep moving. Even when it’s freezing cold it feels good to start my day with some movement. I miss going on runs with her but she’s a lab/Great Dane mix and had to have surgery on her knee last year so running is rare now a days.
We have a random set of toys including a small jungle gym and while I don’t hang upside down like my daughter I do climb and chase her which I feel is sometimes exercise on it’s own! Haha
I haven’t taken any outdoor classes in the winter but every year I take a yoga on the rocks at Red Rocks. it’s definitely a bucket list check and if anyone is ever in the area when they are having a class you must get a ticket.
I love Sierra! They have a ton of selection at awesome prices!