<\/a><\/p>\nEven the most dedicated exercise enthusiasts struggle to keep their fitness routine in winter. In today\u2019s article, we will be looking at different \u2018strategies\u2019 to implement to stick to your exercise routine even in times when the cold might keep you from it.<\/span><\/p>\nSeek the motivation from an exercise partner<\/b><\/h2>\n Even in summer, finding an exercise partner who will keep you motivated is important. Someone who does not take no for an answer or who will not allow you to make excuses would be a natural choice. Training with a partner provides social support and could be a distraction from the cold weather. Even when exercising at home \u2013 join a live class rather than just a workout routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMotivate yourself just to get to the gym<\/b><\/h2>\n Sometimes, that is the hardest thing \u2013 just to get to the gym (or in front of the computer for the online session). Once you are there, the problem is solved, and you will likely make the time at the gym worth your while \u2013 you are there, you might as well get the most of it!<\/span><\/p>\nUse the hours in your day differently<\/b><\/h2>\n If the early, dark, cold mornings are not working for you, change your daily routine. Exercise during your lunch break, or have a working lunch and leave earlier to go to the gym before you go home. Or take a brisk walk during lunch \u2013 you will get some Vitamin D and fresh air as well. If it is raining, go to the nearest mall or shopping centre and take an indoor stroll (AND walk past all the SALE signs and the alluring smell of coffee and muffins\u2026)<\/span><\/p>\nFocus on the other benefits you gain from exercising<\/b><\/h2>\n Remind yourself of all the other benefits you gain from exercising \u2013 mental and emotional benefits. Remember, we discussed these in previous articles, how exercise releases endorphins which allows your mood to improve, and how it allows you to release stress and focus on your health for that one hour a day. That is motivation in itself.<\/span><\/p>\nPlan ahead and anticipate<\/b><\/h2>\n Work with a plan and research the outdoor workouts in your area \u2013 park runs, hiking trails, family cycling fun days, and so on. Read your local newspaper and find out alternative ways to spend with family or friends outdoors – being active (other than those activities we love, some must \u2013 gather around the fire\/kitchen to eat). You might even meet some interesting and fun people you would have never met.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nPut your exercise clothes on at work<\/b><\/h2>\n Putting on your exercise clothes at work will provide you with that extra motivation to actually stop at the gym and not go straight home. It will be more difficult for you to take off those exercise clothes without doing any exercise \u2013 even if you do a quick dance, stretch or HIIT training routine at home. At least you did some exercise, right?<\/span><\/p>\nChoose your morning alarm with a purpose<\/b><\/h2>\n Choose your morning alarm with great purpose. Choose a song that will get your heart beating faster and which motivates you to get out of bed and NOT hit the snooze button. Also, try to change the song now and then so that you do not get used to the sound and sleep through it\u2026<\/span><\/p>\nUse the right exercise gear<\/b><\/h2>\n Dress for the occasion \u2013 remember that you will be cold at the start of your session and make sure that you are warm when you\u2019re done. You need to be prepared for that, especially after your session \u2013 you have perspired and the cold outside might just hit you extra hard. You don\u2019t want that. Protect yourself!<\/span><\/p>\nUse your surroundings to do cardio<\/b><\/h2>\n Use your immediate surroundings to do your cardio exercises. It does not mean you have to break into a sweat throughout the day, but use the stairs as much as possible, and take a walking meeting with your colleagues (rather than sitting around a table). Use your bicycle to ‘run’ to the store instead of your vehicle or get up from the couch and change the channels of the television rather than use the remote control.<\/span><\/p>\nKeep drinking water<\/b><\/h2>\n Even though it is winter, it does not mean that we must stop drinking water and only drink hot beverages, you need to keep your water intake the same as in summer. Don\u2019t drink cold water, drink your water at room temperature if you wish. Or drink herbal tea without milk and sugar in a thermos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nNo matter what \u2013 always stretch<\/b><\/h2>\n No matter what option you choose \u2013 whether you choose to do home exercises, brisk walking during lunch or going to the gym \u2013 always, always stretch. Stretching before you start working out just puts your mind on what you are about to do. You ready your body for the routine and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 focus your mind on yourself. You might even use the time to empty your mind of the day’s stressors.<\/span><\/p>\nBreak up your exercise routine into smaller time frames<\/b><\/h2>\n If all else fails, break up your exercise routine into smaller time frames (4 x 15 minutes still gives you one hour of exercise a day). Think about a 15-minute yoga routine in the morning to wake up your body, three five minute stair-climbing exercises, 15 minutes when you get home (leg presses or arm curls come to mind) and a final 15-minute online dance class. Done! No fuss, just commitment.<\/span><\/p>\nWinter is no excuse to stop exercising \u2013 it is an opportunity to think of alternative ways to exercise and keep fit. Keep yourself motivated throughout the winter and try not to drop your fitness level. Just think \u2013 summer, and wearing those skinny jeans or floral maxi dress is just three months away\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Winter has made her appearance. Layering is part of our dressing routine, the electric blankets are out, and fridges are stocked with stew and soup ingredients. But the difficulty of getting out of bed and going to the gym \u2013 my, oh, my \u2013 is a constant struggle. Sure, you are committed to your health<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":134,"featured_media":143326,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,609],"tags":[],"country":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-143324","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-a-z-topics","8":"category-wellness"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Keeping Fit in Winter - RegInsights<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n