Winter Activities that are Good for Your Veins
Winter isn’t typically the season when Pennsylvania residents are the most active, with snow and cold temperatures driving many people indoors during these months of the year. However enticing it might be to cozy up in front of a fire until spring rolls around, all that sedentary activity doesn’t do your veins any good. Instead, check out this list of winter activities from Center for Vein Restoration that will boost your energy, give you a healthy glow and keep your veins in top condition throughout the season.
Snow Bunnies
If you don’t mind the colder temperatures, outdoor workouts like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing can be an excellent way to keep your legs in shape and ward off vein conditions. These sports effectively work the calf muscles, which makes it easier for lower leg veins to move blood back up the body to the heart. The activities are not extremely high impact either, which means legs that are already suffering from varicose veins and their painful symptoms will be able to participate without additional discomfort and strain.
Mall Walking
If outdoor winter workouts are simply not your cup of tea, there are plenty of indoor exercise opportunities as well. Mall walking, a popular sport a decade ago, continues to bring in faithful followers when the temperatures drop. Choose a large mall with more than one level and go early to make sure you can get your workout in unhindered by crowds of shoppers. Many malls even open early for walkers, which allows you to come in and window shop while you exercise until the stores open.
Indoor Pools
Swimming is one of the best workouts for varicose vein sufferers, because it gives the calf muscles plenty of exercise without putting undue strain on joints or vessels. In the winter, find an indoor pool for regular workouts that will allow you to reap the benefits of a water workout without taking the polar bear plunge. Some indoor pools even have a place for the kids to play while you get your daily allotment of laps done.
Fitness Centers
Gyms and fitness centers are particularly popular during the winter months when fitness gurus tend to bring their workouts indoors. If you are not already a member of one of these facilities, now it the time to find a center that is both conveniently located and features the types of workouts you enjoy most. Machines like the elliptical and recumbent bike offer excellent cardio workouts without stressing out your veins.
Yoga Studios
Some yoga positions have been shown to significantly improve symptoms of varicose veins by eliminating the force of gravity lower leg veins typically have to work against. Relaxation techniques used in yoga can also soothe symptoms of current vein conditions and keep them from growing worse. There are a number of popular yoga studios through the Lancaster area, giving residents the chance to connect with others interested in improving strength and flexibility in addition to giving veins a healthy boost.
There is no doubt that physical exercise becomes more challenging during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your workouts on hold until spring. Plenty of good winter workouts keep your body and your veins in top condition throughout the season. If painful varicose veins are keeping you from your favorite workouts this year, contact Center for Vein Restoration today to learn about our minimally-invasive vein treatment options.