Now that winter is officially here how do you stay motivated to exercise during the winter months?
As the days become shorter and the nights become longer, when the weather is just damp and dreary, it is all too easy to choose a comfy sofa and warm blanket over a workout or training session. So how do you stay motivated to keep on track to smash those goals throughout the winter months? Below we share our top tips,
- Plan ahead
Possibly one of the most important things to do during the winter.
Whilst you may believe you can just nip home between work and your gym session, when the outside is dark and gloomy by mid-afternoon attempting to motivate yourself to head off out again after that ‘quick pit stop’ could ultimately be your downfall. The solution to this is have your kit bag packed and ready so that if you do need to head home in between it is there for you to just grab and head off again. Even better if you can you take your kit along with you for your day so you have no excuses to head home and can simply head straight to the gym after your day.
Alternatively have you thought about adjusting your schedule so you train before you ‘start’ your day? With your kit ready and waiting before you head to bed in the evening this could be a perfect solution, starting your day off full of endorphins!
- Find a workout buddy
Having a family member or friend to workout with can give you that extra kick, keeping you both motivated and ready to support each other in reaching your health and fitness goals as well as making it more sociable and generally more enjoyable and seeing as neither of you would want to let the other down this is also a good reason to buddy up over winter.
- Book into a class or PT session
Booking yourself into a Fitness Class or Personal Training session is a commitment to yourself and the instructor/trainer that you will take part, in turn giving you some accountability. Participating in a Fitness Class or Personal training session also gives you the added benefit of not having to pre plan your session but just to partake and enjoy it and reap the fitness rewards!
- Set an achievable goal or target
A simple goal whether it be to feel better about yourself, change your physical appearance or just to use your session to destress from your daily routine setting a goal also gives the motivation to achieve them. Remember to utilise SMART goals to ensure you stay on track!
- Follow a workout app or training programme
Do you utilise apps to track your workout sessions? Well why not use it to connect with others to unleash that competitive side. Apple Fitness, Fitbit and Strava are just a few of the apps that can be used in ways such as the above.
If you do prefer to work out alone but need that extra little kick, there are apps available and websites that provide a wide range of workouts and training programmes to follow based on your current fitness levels and what your goals are.
- Praise and reward yourself
Do not forget… praise and reward yourself, exercise should be a way of life but also enjoyable!