The winter is already here, and it brings new challenges. This is usually a gloomy season when all you want to do is snuggle into a blanket and sleep most of the day. Humans do not hibernate like bears, but many of us definitely wish we could do that. If you are determined that you cannot skip your workout, you definitely would need extra motivation and help to achieve this. Here, we have listed a few simple tricks to help you stay active during winter and not skip any workout sessions.
Source: skinnyms.com
1. Get Inside:
The key to a successful workout during the winter is to make the first step. You need to step outside and once you are out in the cold, everything else is easy. Sure, you will be uncomfortable the first few minutes, so make sure to dress cosily and keep yourself as warm as possible.
2. Seek for Indoor Workout:
It is excellent if you enjoy working outdoors, but when it gets cold, a lot of people opt for gyms for obvious reasons. According to Gymnation, a highly-renowned gym, the number of membership increases during winter and drops as the summer approaches. A large majority of gyms keep adequate temperatures for exercising during the winter, which makes it a perfect place to work out.
Source: gwrymca.org
3. Sleep Early:
Adjusting your sleep schedule during the winter is somehow a must. Depends on where you live, it gets dark even before you finish your work and you get the feeling that you didn’t achieve anything. Therefore, we suggest that you got to bed earlier and get up in the morning earlier. This way, you will see more daylight and if you can squeeze a practice session before work, that is a great way to start the day.
4. Sleep in Exercise Clothes:
If you have scheduled an early morning workout routine, it will be really tough to force yourself to wake up. On top of that, changing clothes when it is already cold can be a deal-breaker. Why not sleep wearing your exercising clothes so that you can wear your winter workout jacket on top and be ready for your workout session when you wake up.
If you consider this too extreme, you can make all the preparations the night before and have the bag ready for you so you can just pick it up instead of rummaging through your closet, looking for things.
Source: healthline.com
5. Plan Ahead:
If you are working out outdoors, you should check out the weather forecast ahead to know if working out the next day is feasible. If there is a snow forecast, then you can switch your workout schedule to some indoor activity. Also, check the temperature so that you choose the right outfit to endure the weather conditions out there. Not everyone is like David Goggins who can endure everything.
6. Find a Workout Buddy:
Sometimes just you motivating yourself is not enough. You really need an external push. Finding a friend to exercise with you can be really beneficial. You can push each other to actually go and do the work. Also, you will have someone to talk to as you run or lift weights and it will not be a more fun thing to do.
Source: womensrunning.com
7. Workout During the Break
If your job allows you to take a break from the workout, this is really a good option. Sometimes working out may feel like a pleasant break from your monotonous job. As a workout looks more appealing in this scenario, this tends to be a very effective way to not skip the workout. Also, exercise in between will lift up your mood and increase blood flow through the brain. When you return to your desk, you will feel more productive.
8. Join a Group Activity Class:
Joining workout classes that start at a specific time is also a very effective strategy to push yourself to work out. Firstly, you will have to pay them a fee, which becomes a motivation for you to attend the class. Secondly, the class starts at a specific time which you cannot alter. This means you will have to push yourself to reach your class in time. If you are someone who gets bored with workout sessions easily, this trick might just be right for you. Also, you will be surrounded by other people who exercise, so you cannot be the only one slugging off.
Source: marthastewart.com
9. Change the Morning Alarm:
After some time, we get used to the morning alarm. You can often sleep through it, without even hearing it. What you can do is either get one of those old-school alarm clocks that are loud enough to wake the entire building or change alarm sounds over time. This will help you get up early.
10. Adopt a Dog:
Well, if all the above fails and you have always wanted a pet, get a dog. There is no better alarm clock than a dog. You cannot snooze your dog as it will come back to wake you up. You have to take your dog out every morning for a walk. Even when you have piles of work to be done, you cannot make an excuse, as walking your dog is a priority job you have to do. This is why dog owners are usually active, so this may be the solution to your problems.
Source: Medium.com
11. Get Yourself New Workout Gear:
It is essential to get good quality workout gear that will protect you from the cold. But this also helps you look good, which acts as a motivation to push yourself more and not skip workouts. Do not overspend to spruce up your workout wardrobe, but do get a few new cloth pieces that will drive you to get fitter.
The Bottom Line- Enjoy the Season:
Well, to be honest, it is better to work out during the cold season comfortably than sweat during a run in the hot summer. Starting a workout routine is tough during the winters, but once you get into it, you will begin enjoying the burn more, as your body warms up and you will feel more comfortable. Hence, instead of complaining and blaming the season, start enjoying the weather, making full use of the cold.
