Staying Fit and Healthy Through the Winter Months

By Kristin O. Pitoniak

I can think of a million reasons to say no to exercise. “I’m too busy, work is hard, it’s coming up on the holidays, I’m tired.” So the week has been busy! While the reasons to say no seem to flow so easily, we all need to think of the benefits of exercise and all of the reasons to say yes.

Some of us work out regularly or take classes. Others may do workouts at home or hike near where we live. In the past, our team has gone on winter hikes to increase fitness and to support one another with a common goal in mind. Each team member is critical to the group’s success. Challenging yourself to work out or to meet your friends at an indoor space encourages you to be accountable and can make you feel like others want what you want.

Each of us hopes to be the fittest we can be, to give our 100% effort, and to offer each other a will and drive that benefits the team. It’s important to have a plan and to stick to it. Remember if you don’t or can’t, tomorrow is another day. It is so important to care of yourself in the process.

Some of us have ERGs, bikes, and treadmills at home where the screens show a visual of our power and progress. Each team has a different winter workout. Each person has different options available. What is important is that you “show up.” Show up for your team, show up for yourself.

Indoor exercise has meant more to me when I do it with a teammate. Push-ups without a plan are just push-ups. Getting through push- ups to lift weights and to jump on an ERG next to a friend seems more meaningful. We want to motivate ourselves while attending to ourselves. Find those who cheer for you and who encourage you.

I ask everyone to find a teammate who shares your drive and purpose who you can hike with, bike with, or ERG with. As we power toward France in 2026, we know we will have a strong group of survivors and supporters.

Let us amaze others with our level of readiness and commitment that shows that BSCD athletes are strong, prepared, and able to take on any fitness or paddling challenge. Always remember to trust yourself, to look inward, and to champion your individual goals.

Look out France. You haven’t seen anything yet!