Summer Bodies are made in Winter!
Does your motivation to exercise plummet in winter? The cold weather doesn’t mean your exercise fitness program needs to freeze up too. Give me summer and the beach anytime however you can make the colder months work for you!
Here are some tips to stay motivated to exercise during these colder months.
Before starting on any exercise program be sure to consult your doctor for an assessment of your general physical health. If you haven’t exercised at all or haven’t exercised for a long time be sure to start slowly to allow your body to get used exercising. Start your program slowly to reduce generalised soreness and to eliminate injuries to your muscles and tendons.
Set Yourself an Exercise Goal for Spring
Setting yourself a goal gives you something to work towards. Spring may seem a long way off however if you set your goal the SMART way the possibility of your success will be greatly increased. The post highlighted will give you a guide on effectively setting your goals.
Your goal could be either a personal goal or a race like a fun run challenge, triathlon or maybe the local park run. Another example of a goal could be organising a beach party to show off your toned body.
I have set myself a goal for my upcoming birthday, which is in winter. It is to complete the modified pushup routing to the song Bring Up Sally. Exercise can be a lot of fun.
Choose the Correct Exercise Gear
Your summer workout gear may not be appropriate for winter weather. Invest in proper winter performance gear to stay warm and dry. Be sure to warm up inside before you head out the door.
Make sure you can be seen I reflective gear. There is some great reflective gear available. I have seen runners wearing head lights and other reflective identification.
Be Safe if you are exercising outdoors
Choose a time of the day when you feel safe to exercise outdoors. In winter the sun rises earlier and sets later. It can be difficult to get your exercise in in the morning particularly if you are a morning person. The same would be in the evenings of you like to go for a run after work. As I suggested above get yourself some reflective gear or use an exercise bike or exercise treadmill.
Be sure to consider your personal safety as well if you are out exercising in the early morning or later in the evening. In Australia we are in in the time of the shortest day of the year, so our days will start to lengthen again 🙂.
Exercise at Home
- Find a suitable workout space. Designate a corner in your home as your workout spot. …
- Put on your gym clothes. Dress like you’re going to the gym. …
- Warm up, stretch & cool down. …
- Cross Train. …
- Invest in some exercise equipment, like treadmill or exercise bike
- Listen to Your Body if you get sore spots take notice
- Know your limits especially when commencing your program
- Rest: quality, not quantity. …
- Have fun with it.
Stay Well Hydrated
It is easy to drink less water in winter because we don’t seem to get thirsty. It is important to stay hydrated, it is surprising how much your body dries out from internal heating.
Set Your Alarm
Set your alarm when it rings get out of bed. It’s a good idea not to set the snooze button or during the time the snooze is activating you will procrastinate and then come up with a reason about why you don’t need to exercise today.
It can be difficult to get out f bed in the cold and dark.
Set your clothes and other gear out the night before, even if you are exercising at home, or have your gear out to do your program when you get home from work.
Give Yourself a Reward
Work out a reward system for when you achieve your short term goals and then the longer term.
It could be a new outfit or treating your self to the movies or having coffee with a friend.
Document your goals, and acknowledge your achievements.
Find a Personal Trainer
Can’t do it alone? Get a personal trainer. A personal trainer will help achieve certain results, so if you are having difficulty achieving your goals as well as assisting you with your exercise program a personal trainer will keep you motivated.
Find an Exercise Buddy
If you can’t afford a personal trainer exercising with a friend will keep you accountable, pushing you both to exercise when you may lose motivation. Talk to your friends and family about your goals. This will also give you some accountability and much needed support.
Use Your Technology
Technology can be a great motivator. Check out the Apps on your smart phone or download upbeat music from your favourite music app. There are several fitness apps that track sessions and progress. This enables you to monitor and enter your workout information. It is very rewarding to get home from a walk, cycle or run and download the information.
The technology will work for your exercise at home as well. If you are exercising at home you can monitor how hard you are working because of your heart rate.
Motivation to Exercise
Everyone had challenges with motivation, you will find your motivation changes daily. I hope the above tips will assist you to achieve your exercise goals. Be passionate about what you want and set yourself SMART goals to achieve it.
Feel free to comment or send me an email on your progress or what works for you.
Don’t Forget
Before starting on any exercise program be sure to consult your doctor for an assessment of your general physical health. If you haven’t exercised at all or haven’t exercised for a long time be sure to start slowly to allow your body to get used exercising. Start your program slowly to reduce generalised soreness and to eliminate injuries to your muscles and tendons.
