Life Outside Fall 2017 - 39

Beat
the

BY JES GEARING

Cold
Whether you stay inside to
stay fit, or brave the elements
for wintertime thrills, there's
no reason to let chilly weather
chill your commitment.
ICE AT THE CASCADES
A wintertime hike to the falls is
far less crowded, and has an
added layer of drama.

THERE ARE A FEW THINGS every athlete in the

Virginia mountains knows:
* Spring and fall are the best times of year for
adventuring.
* Nothing beats a dip in the Roanoke or New or
James River after a hard summer workout.
* After daylight savings ends, it gets tougher and
tougher to stay motivated.
Though winter's bite is gentler in this region
than farther north, the darkness that settles in our
valleys and hollows begs for blankets and snacks
and long winter naps-something that isn't exactly
a recipe for fitness success.
Whether you're hoping to shed a few post-holiday
pounds or trying to keep your performance near its
peak, there are more than a few ways to creatively
conquer winter inertia. From yoga with cats to
competitive indoor cycling to braving the brisk
wind on a solitude-filled hike, here are a few best
bets for having fun while staying fit this winter.

Downward-Facing Cat
If your ideal snow day at home involves watching
Netflix and cuddling your cat, then the Lynchburg
Humane Society offers a class you can't pass up: Yoga
with Cats. From Sun Salutations to Savasana, LHS

offers you the chance to stretch it out with a room
full of adoptable cats. Certified yoga instructors,
Bea Gutierrez and Shannon Weller, will guide you
through one hour of yoga poses with friendly felines.
With each class costing only $10 and half of all
proceeds going to the pets at the shelter, this is
one winter class you can't pass up.
For more info: lynchburghumane.org
Gear Up: We love the Manduka ProLite yoga mat
for its firm cushioning and sustainable engineering.
manduka.com

Pedal Power
Looking to hone your endurance during long winter
nights? Want to join a group ride without ever
leaving your house? Then Zwift, the multi-player
online gaming software that bridges fitness with
graphics-based fun, is your answer. For the past
few years, Zwift has gained momentum as the
go-to winter training experience for cyclists, and
for plenty of good reasons. Between the top-notch
graphics and plethora of routes to the ability to join
a peloton with riders from around the globe, this
software turns boring trainer nights into a festive,
friendly competitive game. zwift.com
Gear Up: To give Zwift a whirl, you'll need a cycling
LifeOutsideMag.com // Fall 2017

39
http://www.lynchburghumane.org http://www.manduka.com http://www.zwift.com http://www.LifeOutsideMag.com
Life Outside Fall 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Life Outside Fall 2017
