Winter Rec Sports Survival Guide: 5 Ways to Stay Active in Kelowna When It’s Freezing Outside | SNS

Winter Rec Sports Survival Guide: 5 Ways to Stay Active in Kelowna When It’s Freezing Outside

When the snow hits, the days get shorter, and the couch starts calling a little louder, it’s easy for rec sports and movement to slide to the bottom of the list. Between holiday events, family plans, and work deadlines, most people’s winter activity levels drop just when they need it most.

That’s exactly the gap SHIRTS N' SKINS (SNS) is here to fill.

If you’re in Kelowna and want to stay active through December and beyond, this guide is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned rec-league regular or just looking for a reason to get off the couch once a week, here are five simple ways to keep moving this winter - without overcomplicating it.

1. Pick a Winter Sport That Matches Your Energy Level

Not everyone is built for bombing down a black diamond run at Big White, and that’s okay. The key to staying active in winter is choosing something that fits your energy, schedule, and comfort level.

Think in three tiers:

Low-intensity options

• Waterfront or neighbourhood walks

• Snowshoeing on local trails

• Casual outdoor skates at Stuart Park

• Family-friendly tobogganing sessions

Medium-intensity options

• Pick-up hockey

• Rec-league basketball or volleyball

• Indoor futsal or soccer

• Pickleball or indoor court rentals

Higher-intensity options

• Regular league nights with your team

• Interval-based conditioning sessions

• Back-to-back games or tournaments

You don’t need to go “all in” to see the benefits. Even one consistent session per week can make a huge difference in how you feel physically and mentally.

Pro tip: Use SHIRTS N' SKINS to find or create exactly the kind of game or meetup you’re looking for—whether that’s a low-pressure scrimmage or a more competitive run.

2. Warm Up Properly So the Cold Hurts Less

We’ve all done it: arrive at the rink, field, or gym, say a quick hello, and jump straight into full-speed play. In the summer you might get away with it. In the winter? That’s when things start to pull, strain, or tweak.

A simple 10–15 minute warm-up can completely change how your body feels in the cold. You don’t need equipment or a complicated routine.

Think:

• Light jogging or marching in place

• Leg swings (front-to-back and side-to-side)

• Arm circles and shoulder rolls

• Bodyweight squats and lunges

• Short, controlled accelerations

Focus less on looking “perfect” and more on getting your heart rate up and your joints moving. Your first few shifts, plays, or minutes of the game will feel smoother and your body will thank you later.

Watch for it on SNS: A 15-minute SHIRTS N' SKINS winter warm-up is coming to Reels and TikTok this month so you can follow along before your next game.

3. Layer Smarter, Not Bulkier

There’s a big difference between “dressed warm” and “dressed so bundled you can’t move.” Good winter gear should keep you comfortable without getting in the way of your movement.

The basic formula:

1. Base layer:

   • Wicks sweat away from your skin

   • Light and fitted (not cotton)

2. Mid layer:

   • Adds warmth

   • Fleece, light sweater, or athletic layer

3. Outer layer:

   • Blocks wind and moisture

   • Shell jacket, insulated coat, or weather-resistant top

From there, adjust:

• For higher-intensity sports (like rec hockey or fast-paced soccer), go lighter so you don’t overheat.

• For lower-intensity movement (like casual walks or spectating), lean into warmer mid-layers and accessories—gloves, toque, and warm socks make a big difference.

Coming up on SNS: A quick “How to Layer for Cold-Weather Sports” clip that breaks this down visually and shows a few real-world examples.

4. Set Simple Commitments, Not Huge Resolutions

Winter is not the time to load yourself up with unrealistic promises like “I’m going to work out every day.” It’s busy. Things come up. Life happens.

Instead, set simple, sustainable commitments:

• “I’ll play once a week.”

• “I’ll move my body at least three times a week, even if it’s just a 20-minute walk.”

• “I’ll say yes to one invite instead of defaulting to ‘maybe next time.’”

The goal is consistency, not perfection.

This is where SHIRTS N' SKINS can quietly become your best teammate:

• Add one game, meetup, or session to your calendar for the week.

• Join an existing run that fits your schedule.

• Create a casual game and invite three friends—you’ll be amazed how much more likely you are to show up when other people are counting on you.

5. Make It Social So You Actually Show Up

Let’s be honest: if nobody else is expecting you, it’s very easy to bail when it’s dark, cold, or snowing sideways.

But when you know other people are going to be there—friends, teammates, or even familiar faces—you’re far more likely to lace up and show up.

Here are a few ways to build that into your winter:

• Join a rec league or drop-in: Look for something with the right mix of competitiveness and fun.

• Create a weekly “winter run” or “pickup night”: Same time each week, low pressure, whoever can make it, makes it.

• Stack activities around other commitments: Heading to a friend’s place? Suggest an outdoor skate or a quick walk first.

SHIRTS N' SKINS was built for this type of community-first, low-friction organizing. Instead of endless group chats, you can:

• Create an event once

• Share the link

• Let people join, track, and stay in the loop without chasing updates.

Your Winter, Your Way (With a Little Help)

Staying active through a Kelowna winter doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire routine, joining three gyms, or turning into a high-performance athlete overnight.

It can be as simple as:

• Choosing one winter sport that feels fun and realistic

• Warming up properly so your body feels better in the cold

• Dressing smart instead of piling on random layers

• Making small, honest commitments you can keep

• Surrounding yourself with a community that makes it easier to say “yes”

SHIRTS N' SKINS is here to make that easier - not by shouting at you to “hustle harder,” but by giving you a simple way to find or create the kind of rec sports and meetups that fit your life.

If you’re ready to make this winter a little more active (and a lot more fun), keep

an eye out for SHIRTS N' SKINS content across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok this month—and most importantly, open the app and set up that one session.

One game, one skate, one run. That’s where the momentum starts.