As the weather turns colder it can be far too tempting to put off the usual fitness regime, in favour of cozying up on the sofa with a blanket. While I’ll be doing plenty of the latter, I’m keen to keep up my workouts during winter to stay fit, healthy and to achieve my own weight loss goals. If you’re with me and want to do a bit of both, read on for 5 ways to keep exercising this winter!
5 ways to stay fit in winter
1. Team up with a friend
This is a good one to do all year round. Teaming up with a friend to exercise, more often than not, makes you stick to your workout of choice – even when it’s cold.
2. Upgrade your winter workout wardrobe
This isn’t just an excuse to go shopping (although it’s a good excuse in my book). Making sure you have appropriate workout clothes also helps you to stick to you fitness regime. It could be a new set of gym clothes, that you’ll want to show off, get use out of or feel comfortable in; or winter specific items if your favourite exercise means being outside. For example, I love jogging so my new winter kit includes running gloves, a hat, and a warm but lightweight high vis jacket.
3. Put the date in the diary
Whether you make a note of it on your phone’s calendar or on paper, setting a date to workout also means you’re more likely to stick to it.
4. Sign up to a gym or indoor classes
You don’t have to spend money getting fit, but having the financial commitment and a place to exercise inside are both good motivators for keeping active as it gets colder. Plus, local leisure centres usually offer a ‘pay as you go’ membership and there are a growing number of ‘cheap’ gym clubs around.
5. Home workouts
Lastly, set a date to do some exercise in the comfort of your living room. There are tons of online/YouTube workout videos, with many being free. I’m a fan of The Body Coach videos and any beginners yoga session I can find. I also like the YouTube channel Cosmic Kids, it’s yoga with fun stories, so that I can do some stretching with my daughter or at least keep her entertained while I do it! Other exercises you can do without heading out include classic resistance moves such as press up, sit ups/crunches and squats.
