With the days getting shorter and the nights getting colder, staying fit and healthy is becoming more of a challenge.
We’ve all been there: you get home from work, and all you feel like doing is relaxing. It’s cold, you’re tired, and exercise is the last thing you want to do.
It’s always harder to get motivated to exercise in winter, so we’ve come up with some handy tips and tricks that will help you get off the couch.
1. Find a workout buddy
Getting fit is always easier when you’ve got a friend to help you. It’s a good idea to make a workout schedule, and hold each other accountable to make sure you stick to it.
The fear of letting your friend down will (hopefully) motivate you to get out bed and join them at the gym!
2. Set some fitness goals
Having a goal or goals to work towards will help give you that extra bit of motivation when you’re struggling to get up and moving.
Set your sights on a certain weight, or make plans to run a half-marathon – you goal can be anything!
Keep in mind that it’s important to set achievable goals, otherwise you might feel less motivated in the future if you struggle to meet them.
3. Mix it up and keep it fresh
Doing the same old workouts again and again is likely to get boring. Look at mixing it up and experiment with some fresh routines.
Something new and different will hold your interest longer than the same workout you’ve already done.
There are plenty of free workout ideas on Youtube, so get online and get outdoors!
4. Do your warm-up inside before going out in the cold
Warming up in a comfortably-heated environment will get your blood properly flowing to your muscles.
If you do your warm up in the cold, you’re more likely to hurt yourself because your muscles will be cold and stiff.
5. Invest in some new training gear
Buying new running clothes and equipment is often a great motivator to get you up and about, because you’ll probably be itching to use your new stuff.
Just make sure you buy weather-appropriate clothing – you won’t want to be running around outside in shorts and a singlet if it’s freezing!
6. Take advantage of the sun
The sun doesn’t always show its face during the winter months, so when it does go outside and make the most of it!
Sunshine and daylight can be great emotional motivators, and they’ve even been proven to give you an energy boost!
7. Avoid the temptation of baggy clothes
Baggy clothes are comfy and warm, but they can create a false sense of security if you’re eating too much unhealthy food.
You won’t be able to wear trackies and oversized jumpers forever, so you may as well swap them out for tighter fitting clothes to keep you on track.
8. Consider hiring a professional
Investing in a personal trainer is a great way to make sure you stick to your workout plan.
Even if you only complete a few sessions, it might be enough to get you on track and moving down the right path!
9. Keep a food journal
If healthy eating is something you’ve struggled with in the past, you might consider keeping a food journal.
Adding up the calories you’re consuming can often be a great motivator to eat healthier and get to the gym.
10. Get a dog
The responsibility of taking the dog for a walk every day is a huge motivator to get out the house and exercise.
Some breeds of dog LOVE running, while some are more suited to a brusque walk, so make sure you get a pup that enjoys the same amount of activity you do!
Dogs are also great for our mental health, which is a big contributor to our overall motivation for exercise.
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