Time for some real talk: winter is coming and that means the desire to snuggle under a warm blanket sets in and staying motivated about your health and fitness becomes more difficult. We tend to take on a “snuggle and bum” mentality where we eat more and do less. Despite the temptation of hibernating all winter, there are many reasons why you should continue to exercise in the winter and how to stay motivated!
1. Invest in winter active wear:
It may seem as though it is freezing outside, although sometimes it is best to go for a nice winter run. Even if you do a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout, you will feel warm immediately if you are layered up. If you want to keep up with the frigid temperatures you should invest in articles of clothing which are easy to layer and remove on the go.
2. Make a Plan and Stick With it:
Much of your workout has to coincide with planning in advance. Even if you are simply planning when to squeeze in a workout during your day, organizing when to fit your workout in your schedule is beneficial. The more compatible you make your plan with your schedule, the greater your success of staying on track to your winter workout.
I don’t blame you for wanting to choose between a warm winter on the couch or being in harsher conditions, however, planning your workouts in advance leads to an increase in following through with your plan. You are further susceptible to stick with your goals if you set alternative workouts for different weather patterns.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to allow your body to recover from your workouts. Exercise recovery is crucial in further continuing your health and fitness goals. Stretching before and after workouts greatly helps your muscles to heal.
3. Set Workouts for Inside
Winter workouts do not all have to be outside! Try to think of alternating your sessions to HIIT sessions or small circuit exercises. HIIT workouts are quite effective in building muscles strength while also building your endurance. Working up a sweat inside will have your longing for the chill of winter.
4. Try Something New
Go out of your comfort zone! Whether you want to purchase a gym membership or some new indoor equipment, you are closer to staying in shape during winter. You do not have to buy expensive indoor equipment to stay fit, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and more products are efficient for your wallet and workouts. There are several apps such as MyFitnessPal, which helps you stay on track with your weight, diet, exercises, and logging both of these, Sworkit, which chooses workouts for specific goals or specific sections of the body, along with many more. Even typing up “at home HIIT workout” on the internet will give you a last minute plan.
5. Get a Workout Buddy
Sometimes having someone by your side when working out is a great motivator. A friend or trainer can pick you up when your down, motivate you to work harder, and tell you how great you are doing.
Getting a workout partner who has similar aspirations and a similar fitness level allows you to stay in pace while being motivated. They will never let you skip a workout, will help you work harder, and help you stay on track all the way through the winter.
6. Challenge Yourself
Challenging yourself is something that does not come easy to many. Most are discouraged that they will fail after trying to work harder but they also can fill you with a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Nothing is more gratifying that having a new personal record or PR at the gym.
Even if you are unable to complete your set PR that session, do not let it get to you. Start from where you were and work your way up at a pace that your body can handle. Listen to your body and challenge your mindset; mind over matter.
7. Remind Yourself of Why it’s Important
You are ultimately working out because you care about your health and well-being while also trying to reach a goal. Whether you want to be more tone, faster, stronger, etc, you have a reason of why you have begun your journey. If it was important enough to want in the first place, it is well worth your efforts to motivate yourself throughout your fitness journey.