Christmas, baggy oversized sweaters, and the warm permeating smell of Bath and Body Work’s Twisted Peppermint candles scream winter. While winter has its perks, the weather is not so great. On the coldest days, it can be very tempting to snuggle up with a blanket and watch Netflix all day. Getting your daily workout and eating healthy can be a struggle especially when the mere idea of stepping into the freezing weather to work out makes you want to cringe.
However, staying in shape is important for our physical, emotional and social well being and your body will thank you in the long run. There are many things you can do to stay fit in the winter this winter and have that bikini ready body when spring rolls around.
1) Fitness Videos
It might be a good idea to purchase some fitness videos that you can complete in the midst of your own living room. If you don’t have a DVD, cardio workouts are easily accessible online on places like Youtube. Zumba workouts can especially be fun and you can switch up routines by adding and learning new moves to prevent boredom.
Side note: Yes that is a pumpkin. Yes I know, wrong season.
2) Pilates and Yoga
Mat Pilates and Yoga sessions are great! They tone your muscles and teach you how to breath properly to create an explosive workout. Further, adding dumbbells to your workouts can increase caloric burn. Pilates especially helps to strengthen your core which results in a faster metabolism, so you burn more calories while you are just sitting down. Bonus! (Editor’s Note: HelWell has some awesome group fitness pilates and yoga classes!)
(Photo courtesy of popsugar.com)
3) Motivation
When most of the days are cold and gloomy, it might be hard to stay motivated. Find a quote or a picture that empowers you and stick it up on your cork-board to remind yourself why you need to work out. When you work out your body produces endorphins and you are simply happy. Just listen to Shia LaBeouf:
4) Keep Yourself Healthy
Make sure you are eating properly and getting all the nutrients you need. Yes, while peppermint mochas are comforting, they are detrimental for your waist line. They carry very little nutritional value and are filled with sugar. Fill your plates with winter staples like butternut squash, brussel sprouts (even though they might not taste the best) and beans. You can make them taste better with spices! Additionally, make sure you are getting your share of Vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acids as they will protect you from getting illnesses such as the common cold and the flu.
5) Hydrate
This goes hand in hand with keeping yourself healthy, but I can’t stress the important of staying hydrating. Drink lots of fluids and tea. This will keep your skin moisturized and supple despite the brutal winter wind. When you look good, you feel good. Even better, green tea has been shown to reduce belly fat and bloating which leads to you feeling better overall!
6) Join a Sports Team
Take advantage of the intramural sports teams GW offers. Being part of a team forces you to exercise and challenge yourself. You can meet new people too!
7) No Excuses!
There are no reasons why you cannot work out today. Do not procrastinate and push working out to another day, another week, or another month. Live for today and start today; you will be pleasantly pleased with your results when you find the strength to get out of bed and just go.