Have you ever heard the saying ‘Strong bodies are built in the Winter’?
This is because training in the colder months:
Strengthens your immune system
Boosts your mental wellbeing
Beats the winter Blues
Increases lung Capacity
Allows your body to use oxygen more efficiently
Burns more calories in the cold
Despite of all your best efforts and dedication in the summer, living an active lifestyle can be challenging to maintain during the winter due to lacking the drive to get up and go and that’s when the excuses start to creep in.
So if you struggling to get motivated and go outside we’ve got some tips for you that will help you get going.
Factor exercise into your routine, if you plan well and prep for it or book it in you’re more likely to go ahead. Pack your clothes the night before and have your training bag ready to go, run to work, run at lunch, or go straight from work already dressed for your training session.
Find a friend. Find someone who will help hold you accountable for showing up. Knowing someone is waiting for you to share the journey might be just the stimulus you need to throw back the covers and get out of the house.
Dress the part. The truth is there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! Is it time to upgrade to proper winter performance gear? Or, if you already have some, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a new piece. A new base layer or trail running shoes might be the bribe you need to head outdoors on a regular basis.
Keep it simple. The best way to overcome excuses is to not create them in the first place. The more things that need to fall into place in order to get to your session on time, the more likely you’ll find a reason not to go. Remember, something is better than nothing and finishing a workout will feel rewarding.
Warm up indoors. Do some jumping jacks, squats or push ups in your living room before heading out. Not only will it get your heart rate going and your blood circulating, it will make it very difficult to slide back onto the couch.
Tap into technology. Proclaiming your intention to workout each day on Facebook, Twitter or to your online community can strengthen your commitment, even if it is to avoid the embarrassment and guilt of not following through.
See the big picture. Find a 12-week period and display it somewhere you’ll see it every day and use it to plan and track your workouts. When you look at all three months together you realize how Spring is just round the corner. With it looming that close, you’ll be more motivated to get fit and ready for the first race of the year.
Don’t forget Objects in Motion Stay in Motion…it’s much easier for you to keep up your routine once you are already doing it.