Winter has well and truly settled in and how to get motivated can be harder than it seems. It’s darker, it’s colder. Spring – never mind summer – seems very far away indeed. It’s that time of year when comfort food seems so much more tempting, and the urge to stay inside instead of going to the gym is almost overwhelming. So why bother fighting it? We can always start a new regime when spring rolls round, right?
We all know it’s hard to stay motivated during winter. Baggy sweaters and cold weather seem to sap all motivation to eat well and exercise properly. However, there are many arguments for staying healthy over winter and improving your lifestyle, positivity and wellbeing.
Discovering the benefits
Staying motivated means focusing on the benefits. Even when it’s cold, there are plenty of reasons to get outside. Exercising outside lets you benefit from fresh air and Vitamin D, which helps to absorb calcium, maintain bone strength, and strengthen the immune system.
Exercise can help to beat those winter blues. After just 10 minutes of exercise, the brain releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which can help reduce anxiety and depression. Staying active can also help conditions such as arthritis – a condition whose symptoms can often worsen over winter.
And of course, there are always the physical factors to consider. While it may be cold now, summer – and its accompanying wardrobe – will be here eventually. Maintaining a healthy exercise regime over winter means there won’t be that pressure to get back into shape come spring.
Staying Motivated
Set Goals
Having a goal or target is one of the easiest ways to get motivated. This could be a beach holiday, or perhaps a wedding or event. It could be losing a few kilos, reducing body fat, or fitting into a certain outfit.
Train for an Event
Training for an event is another great motivator, as it gives you something to strive for. You could train for a marathon or fun run, or an endurance event, such as Tough Mudder.
Reward Yourself
Work towards a big reward for reaching your big target – such as a new outfit or a weekend away – but you can also work towards smaller rewards; little things you can look forward to at the end of each workout.
Get a Trainer
Can’t do it alone? Get a personal trainer. A personal trainer is a paid motivator, helping you push yourself when you lose your resolve. Trainers can also help achieve certain results, so if you want to improve your fitness, get great abs or lose weight, a trainer can get you there.
Get a Buddy
If you can’t afford a trainer, get a buddy. Exercising with a friend keeps you accountable, pushing you both to exercise when you may lose motivation apart. You could also join a running club, walking club or boot camp, or try activities where other people are always involved, such as dance, martial arts or rock climbing.
Dress Appropriately
Your summer workout gear may not be appropriate for winter weather. Invest in proper winter performance gear to stay warm and dry. Be sure to warm up inside before you head out the door, stay hydrated, and change out of sweaty gear after your workout.
Get Up
It can be hard getting out of bed when it’s dark and cold. Give yourself some extra encouragement by setting a thermostat timer to warm your bedroom, and set your alarm to play songs that motivate.
Try Something New
Winter can be the perfect time to change up your workout routine. Check out classes in your area to find one that interests you – you may even save some money on winter ‘specials’. Or, if you live near the snow, you could try your hand at skiing or snowboarding.
Use Technology
Technology can be a great motivator. If you’re already a member of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, always log your exercise session in your online tracker. Check into the gym or post a picture from your workout using your phone. Mark your calendar with workout sessions and treat them as actual appointments. Create a countdown to summer. Listen to great tunes!
Flexibility & Simplicity
Don’t set any rigid rules – make exercise fun, not a chore. Use a routine that’s simple and easy to start. Don’t worry about setting aside one long period of workout time; instead try to accumulate exercise throughout the day. But bear in mind, National Guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of activity per day and 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
By Jules Shiells
source - https://blog.totalwellbeingdiet.com/how-to-get-motivated-to-exercise-in-winter
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