5 Ways to Stay Active This Winter in Seattle

Shorter days and colder weather can make it harder to stay consistent with exercise. But with a little creativity, winter in the Pacific Northwest can be a great time to move differently — and maybe even enjoy it.

1. Stair Climbing
Seattle’s hills come with a bonus: a huge network of public stairways. Stair climbing builds strength, challenges your cardiovascular system, and adds variety to your workouts. West Seattle has some great routes — explore them here: Seattle Stairway Walks.

2. Swimming
Indoor pools are ideal when the weather turns. Lap swimming builds endurance without joint stress, and local facilities offer plenty of options. Group swim instruction starts November 1, 2025, for those wanting to refine their stroke. For a more individualized approach, schedule a one-on-one session with Julia Badding, DPT, to improve form and efficiency.

3. Exercise Snacks
Short, frequent bursts of movement during your day can be surprisingly effective. Research suggests that these “exercise snacks” may improve cardiovascular health and lower LDL cholesterol levels as effectively as longer sessions. Try a minute or two of squats, push-ups, or jumping jacks every hour. Learn more here.

4. Evening Light Walks
Take advantage of neighborhood lights in the darker months. Whether it’s Halloween decorations or holiday displays, a brisk walk through well-lit streets can make regular movement more enjoyable. Bring a headlamp and choose safe, even terrain.

5. Group Fitness
Shared accountability helps during the colder months. Seattle has excellent group options, including:

• West Seattle Health Club – classes included with membership https://westseattlehc.com

• HIIT Lab – high-intensity functional workouts https://hiitlab.com/

• DragonFly Yoga – strength and mobility through mindful movement https://www.dragonflywestseattle.com/