The Dallas County Health Department wants people to remain active during the cold Iowa winter weather. 

Navigation Coordinator Ann Cochran says that people have a tough time getting the same amount of exercise during the winter months because they can’t participate in outdoor activities like golfing, riding bikes, running or walking on a trail because of the winter conditions. Cochran says that there are many options for home workouts that many can participate in. 

“I’d dig out those dust covered videos that you can put into your machine and do the exercises or the jump ropes or the, you know, any of those kinds of things. There’s lots of free exercise videos on YouTube. So,those are some ideas. Swap some of your unused equipment with some of your Facebook friends.”

Cochran encourages outdoor winter activities, when appropriate such as sledding, ice skating or just walking along the sidewalks that are not covered in snow. She says that just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity can reduce stress, help weight loss, improve heart health and among other benefits.