Living in Portland can be a blessing and a curse, sure the summers can be nice outdoors. But when the weather gets colder, as it usually does for Fall, Winter, and, more often than not, Spring. Cold weather means one thing: exercising outdoors is a big no-go without the right gear. The only way to avoid injuries when hiking, biking, trail running, street running, or taking part in rec sports during the cold weather is by investing in the appropriate gear.

Avoiding Injury During the Colder Months

If you’re into keeping fit, it’s highly likely that you’ll want to keep fit all year round and not just when the weather permits it. It’s wet out there in Portland and often freezes in the Winter. During the colder months don’t be afraid to take it slower than you would usually.

Exercise smarter. Don’t push yourself and end up out of action because you suffer an injury in the poor weather. Always make sure your footwear is up to the job, and if it isn’t, replace it as soon as you’re able to. When you’re running on frozen earth or snow, what you’re wearing on your feet is your first line of defense against potentially serious injuries.

Ways to Stay Active in Portland

Gyms and clubs: There are so many ways to exercise during the colder months that you don’t really need to go outside. Gyms, yoga, and orange theory, there’s guaranteed to be something in your locale that’s right up your street.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is choosing an option based on price rather than convenience. If there’s a place across town that’s a little cheaper than a place that’s pretty much on your doorstep, forget about it. It’s hard to motivate yourself to exercise when you have to leave your warm, cozy home, jump in your freezing cold car, and drive across town in rush hour. Choose the option that fits your budget and don’t over-commit.

Staying Active on a Budget

No room in your budget for a gym membership? We live in the beautiful pacific northwest. The great outdoors is our gym. No need for a membership and it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

If jogging isn’t something you’re going to enjoy, consider joining a recreational sports league. These operate all year round and there’s guaranteed to be something that takes your fancy. The most popular choices include soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, etc. during the winter, and softball, soccer, kickball, volleyball during the summer.

You’d be surprised how easy it is to pick a new hobby, get fit, and have fun all at the same time when you live in a place as wonderful as Portland.