It can be hard to stay motivated to work out in the winter. It seems like a lot more work to go to the gym or to go for a run all of a sudden – it’s cold and it’s hard enough getting out of a warm bed, let alone going outside and exercising!
You can get through the season without getting less fit, you just have to keep your motivation up and that’s how to stay active in the winter.
That sounds good in theory, but when the alarm clock chimes, our motivation is not at peak levels. Staying active does take a little extra effort when the temps are low, but we are going to offer some tips that may help you get your butt in gear.
How To Stay Active In The Winter
Change Up Your Workouts
It’s totally understandable if you don’t feel like dragging yourself out of bed for a quick workout or a brisk stroll first thing in the morning. We get it and we agree.
Wellbeing magazine suggests switching up your daily workouts.
“Experimenting is a great way to keep moving. Consider investing in a home gym to ramp up your indoor exercise sessions. You may choose equipment-free exercises like aerobics, power yoga, and tai-chi. Switching workout timelines is another option if you want to stick to your gym plan. Skip the morning sessions and aim for the evenings,” they say.
Sneak Exercise Into Daily Life
Aside from varying your workouts, you can also incorporate physical activity into your daily life. Do anything that will get you moving. For instance, you can walk to the store to buy groceries, go for a walk after lunch, and take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you choose your activities carefully, you may trick yourself into getting more exercise than you know.
Motivate Yourself
Get yourself a workout partner as doing physical activity with a friend is a great way to stay motivated and establish accountability. A friend will always push you to work out because they’ll make you feel responsible for showing up.
Treat yourself to new workout clothes to motivate you to work out and make you feel good about yourself. The joy and excitement you get from wearing those hats, gloves, tights, tops, and jackets will more than make up for the money you spend on them.
Pick Activities You Like Doing
The best way to make working out a habit, even when things like cold weather get in the way, is to do something you enjoy. You’ll want to wake up, get out of bed, and do the physical activities you enjoy doing without having to convince yourself to do so!
Maintain A Healthy Diet
This one is common sense, since most of us tend to overindulge during the holidays and that can make you feel sluggish.
“Skip the high-sugar delights, and avoid processed foods as much as possible,” advises Wellbeing. “You can reach out for healthy alternatives instead. Also, allow yourself occasional cheat days to avoid temptation in the long run.”
Tell us if you’ll use our tips on how to stay active in the winter below!
Keep Reading For More Health And Wellness Articles:
