STAYING ACTIVE OVER BREAK

5 Tips for Staying Strong Over Winter Break

By, 

Annie Hinkhouse, PE Teacher and Head Girls Track and Field Coach

Heading into the Holiday Season, Reedsburg Features is gathering tips on healthy living as people ramp up their New Year’s Resolutions for 2026. Here are Coach Annie Hinkhouse’s top tips for staying strong over Winter Break.

1. Make Movement a Priority: Set a simple, achievable daily goal

• Make movement be intentional everyday, and it will prevent the “winter slide”.

• Aim for consistency. 

• Carve time out of your day for activity time or a workout. Go for an after-dinner walk,  go bowling, visit an indoor pool, a gymnasium, fitness center or a fieldhouse. Meet up with some friends to go play volleyball or basketball or pickleball. 

The JAG Fieldhouse has basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Memberships are affordable.

• Kids/Student Membership (K12-College): $15/mo OR $150/yr 

• Fieldhouse access and use of equipment (track, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball)

• Indoor Track Walking Pass: $15/mo OR $150/yr • Use of indoor track only 

• ALL Memberships include access to Reedsburg & Wisconsin Dells. Note: Reedsburg Fieldhouse access is from 6am-10pm.

If you are not able to do your fitness routine:

• Prioritize mobility: dynamic stretching, foam rolling, or some yoga movements. 

• No weights? Do some high volume, bodyweight exercises and slow down your reps using a 3-5 second count on the way down or do isometric movements. Hold a squat, lunge, push-up or any bodyweight move for 30-60 seconds. 

2. Get Outside! 

• Fresh air is great for mental health. Go sledding or hit up the RACA and go ice skating. Just remember to go out prepared and dress in layers to stay warm and dry.

3. Limit screen time.

4. Prioritize Sleep. 

Sleep is when muscles actually grow stronger. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. 

5. Prioritize quality nutrition and hydration. 

Remember that your body needs protein to repair muscle tissue. Focus on eating lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Don't skip meals. Prioritize hydration. Keep a water bottle with you and aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Proper hydration and quality nutrition are essential for muscle repair, energy levels, and keeping your immune system strong during the winter months.

The most important thing is to make movement a natural, joyful part of your break!