Don’t let the snooze button rule your life. Even though it can be a really tough time of the year to keep your exercise routine going, remember you are laying down the foundations for a head start in spring.
Richard Woolrich, a biokineticist and personal trainer at Virgin Active, shares 9 motivational tips for winter training:
Fight Fatigue
Exercise is a great way to warm-up in winter as it increases your energy levels and fights feelings of depression. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen and enzymes, which are important for energy production. Exercise is also known to have positive effects on mental health and stress management. It improves sleep and immune function, elevates overall mood and wellbeing.
Boost your immune system
Research shows that 60%–90% of moderately active people report having less colds and bouts of flu. A study conducted by an epidemiologist in the USA states 40 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily could reduce your chance of contracting an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (UTRI) by 50%.
Set realistic goals
Be honest with yourself when it comes to fitting in exercise in winter. By doing what is realistic for you, you won’t feel the guilt of not exercising.
Commit to someone
Find a training partner with similar goals to you, join a scheduled group class or sign up with a personal trainer. This can really add enjoyment to your exercise routine, and serve as an additional source of motivation. If you have to meet someone, you are more likely to show-up!
Exercise close to home
Choose a place to exercise that is comfortable and close to where you live or work. Lack of time has been identified as the number one barrier that stops people from exercising, so it makes sense to minimise your travel time.
Exercise first thing in the morning
It’s a great way to start your day and will revitalise you for the rest of the day. Plus, there is a greater chance that you will do it than if you have to exercise after a long day at work.
Expect setbacks and learn from them
There will always be times when things don’t go your way, or you have a little less time. It’s easy to find excuses not to exercise, and sometimes they are genuine. Don’t quit, just make adjustments and change your direction.
Just do it
Don’t ponder your workout; just get started. The more you think about it, the more likely you will talk yourself out of it. Once you’re in motion, you’ll find it easier to continue.
Try something different
Variety is the key to motivation and enjoyment. Try yoga, Nova, Pilates, Just Dance, The Grid or an aqua class in a lovely heated pool. Winter is also good time to focus on your strength and core training as you can do this indoors regardless of the weather. This will put you in good stead for whatever your summer goals are.
The bottom line is that winter is a great time to exercise for more reasons than simply keeping fit. So let’s own winter!
