As the weather becomes bleak, the daylight slips away, and the deadlines pile up, it can be difficult to find the time to prioritise your health.
At EmpowHER, we are big believers that fitness should be fun and something you do to feel good, not just look good. Winter is a time when lots of us tend to fall off the bandwagon when it comes to exercise, and partly because the pressure to prepare a “summer body” is a bit more distant.
Obviously, this notion is complete nonsense, but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to motivate yourself through these dreary months. That’s why we’ve chosen to share these six tips for keeping fitness fun during the winter because you deserve to feel strong and empowered no matter the time of year!
- Get a good night’s sleep
This one is so simple, but it really makes all the difference. The temptation to stay up to all hours of the night pushing towards a deadline is very real but is also very unhelpful. If you want to get the most out of your workouts, they can’t drain you of every drop of energy you have, so make sure you’re well-rested heading into the day.
2. Wake up early(ish)
It is common knowledge that the Scottish sun makes only a brief appearance at best, so try to pry your eyes open that little bit earlier to make the most of it. This can massively help motivate you, as well as further the motivation to get out for a walk or run while it’s the sun is out.
3. Invest in your home gym
Stocking up on some dumbbells, a yoga mat, and resistance bands can be a great way to keep your home workouts interesting when you aren’t up for braving the outdoors. However, if you find yourself a bit strapped for cash at the moment, that is completely understandable — maybe tag a few things onto your Christmas list instead.
4. Explore new online workouts
Another good one for indoor fitness, check out YouTubers and influencers who lead home workouts you haven’t tried before. This can range from HIIT, to dance, to yoga, and everything in between. With the expansiveness of the internet, there is every possibility that you can find something you enjoy.
5. Enlist a workout buddy
Having someone to hold you accountable and motivated can make a major difference in the winter months if you tend to feel more isolated. You can do workouts together, have coffee dates, and simply encourage each other along the way.
6. Be kind to yourself
At the end of the day, however, you want to approach fitness in your life should be based around what will make you most happy. That includes taking things a bit easier if you need to. Everyone struggles to fit their activities in sometimes, so don’t get too down on yourself if you find you are neglecting fitness more than usual.
Love, EmpowHER xoxo