When the weather starts to get chilly during winter, it can make it harder to be motivated to get out and exercise. It’s cold out, your body feels stuff and you don’t feel like trying to exercise in a bunch of heavy winter clothing. Let’s look at some ways you can stay active in cold weather and actually take advantage of that cooler air. After all, you want to stay fit and in shape all year round and not pile on the pounds just because it’s cold outside.
Do a Warm Up Inside First
If you plan to head out into the cold for a power walk, a run or a cycle, get the blood flowing and warm up the body before you step out the door. This way, you will already feel warmer and you won’t feel the need to put on layers of clothing.
The other main advantage of an indoor warm-up is that you will loosen up your body so it no longer feels stiff from the chill and you’ll also reduce the chances of sustaining any niggling injuries while exercising.
Exercise During the Day Rather Than At Night
This can apply to both outdoor exercises as well as exercising indoors. During winter, it’s almost always warmer during the daytime, so it only makes sense to try and get a workout in while the sun is out, rather than waiting for nightfall and being put off by the evening time chill that descends with night.
The simple fact that the sun is out can be an extreme motivator during the cooler months of the year, so if you can get some exercise in while it’s still light, take advantage of it.
Do An Indoor Workout At Home
There’s no law stating you have to venture off to the gym or go out for a jog during winter time. You can just as easily get some vigorous exercise in at home. Platforms like YouTube can be your best friends when it comes to home-based workouts, as there are videos available for all fitness levels and many different types of exercise routines.
Examples of some good channels you might want to check out include:
- Pamela Reif
- Chloe Ting
- Emi Wong
- Body Project
- Bowflex
- Allblanc TV
- Popsugar Fitness
The most awesome part about working out at home while watching online videos is it’s absolutely free. You also don’t have to leave the warmth and comfort of the house to do it and you can work out any time of the day or night.
Plan Ahead for Outdoor Workouts
During winter, you’ll want to be mindful of the weather conditions if you’re planning on doing some outdoor exercise. If it’s going to be very windy or possibly even raining, then the weather is really going to make it cold and miserable at that time of the year. While you might not mind a drop of rain on you in hot weather, during cold weather it’s altogether different.
Monitor the weather forecasts in the days leading up to your planned exercise and schedule your outdoor routines accordingly.
Exercise With a Partner
Often, it’s easier to get motivated to exercise in cold weather if you have an exercise partner or a gym buddy. You can motivate each other and push one another to go harder while you are exercising.
If you’re struggling to motivate yourself to do some exercise during winter, then find someone you can team up with. It could make all the difference.
Get Some Exercise In During Your Lunch Break
If it’s a nice sunny winter’s day, you could get out into the sunshine and fresh air during your lunch break to go for a walk. If there is a local park nearby, then even better. The warmth of the winter sun on the body feels great and it will actually motivate you to exercise, even if it is just walking. You will still burn calories, keep the weight off and be doing your body a favour.
Go Swimming In a Heated Pool
If there is a heated swimming pool in your area, make a point of going for a climate-controlled swim when you can. Swimming is a unique exercise in that it gives you a full-body workout no matter what swimming stroke you decide to do. Even a dog paddle will work all the muscles, burn calories, increase cardiovascular fitness and tone those muscles. Swimming is also a low-impact exercise, so it’s kind on the joints and body in general. It’s also very relaxing and rejuvenating to have a swim regularly and a heated pool is very inviting in winter.
Join a Group for Bootcamp Training
Bootcamp exercise training is very popular in Australia, with boot camps taking place all throughout the day, but more commonly in the morning or late afternoon. The advantage of boot camp training is that even though it’s usually outdoors, the exercises will warm you up quickly and you’ll have a trainer and a group of other exercise enthusiasts keeping you motivated at all times.
Exercise Doesn’t Have To Be Traditional Exercise
For example, you could get out in the backyard in the sunshine and do some yard work, such as mowing, gardening, trimming the plants, cleaning the windows or sweeping the pavement and driveway. It’s still burning calories.
Likewise, indoors you could also take care of some chores. Vacuuming and mopping floors certainly feel like you’re getting some exercise in.
The Takeaway
There are literally many ways you can get exercise in during the colder months and methods to help keep you motivated. Don’t remain idle and forget about your fitness goals just because it’s winter. Stay on track and remain in shape all year round.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/stay-active-this-winter/index.html
https://www.today.com/series/one-small-thing/how-stay-active-winter-11-winter-workout-tips-exercising-cold-t169615
