Staying fit in winter? (Madison, Fitchburg: university, live, club)

[ekelp]

My wife and I are thinking about moving with our two young boys to Madison. Almost everything about Madison is very appealing to us ... but we are native Californians, and we are trying to figure out whether we'll be able to handle the cold winters.

I have read many of the helpful posts on this forum about winters in Madison, and I don't think we have any delusions -- we get that winters are long and brutally cold. We could probably adapt to the harsh winters in most respects, but I get alarmed when I read things like "people basically just hibernate for 6 months" (which one poster recently said when describing the winters). So my question is: what do people do to stay active during the long, dark winter?

We are a very active/athletic family, and many of the things we enjoy doing (running, tennis, swimming, cycling, soccer, baseball...) are things we can do year-round in CA. Naturally, we could adapt and take up new sports (cross-country skiing? hockey?). But I'm wondering if there are indoor lap pools, indoor tennis courts, even indoor soccer fields? If they exist, are they prohibitively expensive?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

[everwinter]

Originally Posted by ekelp

So my question is: what do people do to stay active during the long, dark winter?

I do the same as in summer but actually exercise more, because I'm bored in the winter. I run outside and a do a little bit of indoor resistance ex.

You burn more calories exercising in the cold & once you get the dress part down to what you're comfortable with it's not bad. Stay inside on the bitter days & rest or exercise inside. It'll take a month or two, & then you'll adapt.

[jbear182]

I run outside too. Just don't overdress as you will still work up sweat even when it's below zero (maybe 10 days a winter). The city also does a good job of plowing snow from the bike paths. In addition, hiking in the arb. during the winter is great.

[Megan1967]

I'd join the Princeton Club. They are open and staffed 24/7, have child care (I believe it is free), classes are included in the monthly dues, full sized pool, volleyball courts, more equipment than you can shake a stick at so you can almost always get on what you want in a reasonable amount of time. There are two full service clubs and at least one express location in Fitchburg (I think there is at least one other, but I'm not certain of that). Nice facilities over all, but the West side location is newer.

[jbear182]

Forget about the gyms. I just got back from a run and saw dozens of runners, bikers and cross cntry skiers

[r_k]

I agree, doing things outside is a lot better and more interesting. Try to find something that you have to do routinely so it becomes a habit, e.g. walk to work. If you live too far you can still park half-way or something and then walk. Things like skiing are fun once in a while but you won't do enough of them to make a difference (unless you don't have a job). There will be days when it's too cold to stay out for long, but really not that many. Don't worry about the winters, look forward to them and enjoy them. Above a certain age they get harder but I don't think you're anywhere near that yet. Some days are breathtakingly beautiful, others are breathtakingly cold.

[runnergirl262]

Hitters (hitterssports.com) and Keva (kevasports.com) in Middleton. Keva has 2 full size indoor soccer, volleyball, bocce, lacrosse and some other sports. Hitters has indoor (full regulation size field) baseball, softball, golf, football, soccer and lacrosse. Capital ice has ice skating/hockey-also in Middleton.

Also, there's no really bad weather, just the wrong clothing for that weather. If you wear the right stuff, winter is fantastic. I had a great "first snowfall of the year" run yesterday. It was beautiful. Much nicer than being inside on a dreadmill.

[runnergirl262]

Unless you are affiliated with the university, the only indoor tennis courts are at Cherokee Country Club or John Powless tennis. Both have a monthly fee, depending on your membership level. At Cherokee you can play unlimited tennis indoor (8 courts)/2 clay courts outdoors, fitness center and outdoor pool for around $200/month for a family membership. Powless has 8 indoor/ several outdoor and a family can play unlimited for $325/month. If you are affiliated with the UW, Nielsen Tennis Stadium is fantastic. There are a lot of indoor tennis leagues in the winter and people always looking to play.

[L.K.]

There's also shoveling snow [forget the snow blower] and sledding [walking up that hill a million times]

[Robhu]

Where there is a will there is a way.
Sounds like you have the will. You will find a way.
Use your imagination.
Any exersize is better than none.
Sled riding, walks, treadmill, weights, the Army daily dozen you can do in your home.
You'll find something to do to stay active.