8 Tips to Keep Motivated During the Winter
It’s hard to stay motivated to exercise in winter. It’s dark when you get up and it’s dark when you get home and it’s cold. All you want to do is stay inside and bundle up. Below are 8 tips to stay inspired and motivated to keep up with your exercise in the winter.
1. Invest in Thermal Layers
If you feel warmer when you’re outdoors in colder temperatures, you’ll stay motivated to keep up your exercise routines – boot camp, jogging, walking or biking. Invest in clothes specifically designed for exercise in cold temperatures. These should include breathable underwear, moisture-absorbent long underwear and water- and windproof pants and jackets. Of course, cover your extremities with gloves, warm socks and a headband as well.
2. Wake up early
“What?” It’s probably what you’ve just said. I know, I know, it’s so hard to get up early in the morning when it’s frosty outside. But sleeping in won’t help you boost your energy levels, you might even end up feeling sleepy and tired. Winter days are shorter so you can’t allow yourself to sleep till midday. Get up earlier to enjoy more daylight hours and get more things done. During the cold winter months, a good alarm is your best friend!
3. Sign-Up for a Competition
Whether it’s a running race, training for a marathon or sprint tri or some other competition, signing up for an event will keep you motivated to stick with your fitness routine. If you know you have a reason to train, you are more likely to get out and make yourself do so. Around holiday season there are many races going on like a Turkey Trot before Thanksgiving!
4. Get Outside
Getting outside and into the sun can be a great motivator and energizer. Studies show that getting in the sun can combat depression and spending time in nature can energize you. So bundle up in that new running jacket and head outside at least once a day. Even if it’s just a brisk 10-minute walk, it’ll help keep you in the habit of exercising outside.
5. Keep a journal
Remember how awesome you felt after boot camp? How all of your stress melted away after three miles? Keep a personal log of it in a notebook immediately after your workout. Flip through the book to remind yourself why you should get out and exercise.
6. Post on social media
This is a good way to keep yourself accountable and gather support from family and friendsto keep you motivated.
7. Plan a Beach Vacation
If you have a beach vacation planned, you’ll be more likely to stay in shape all winter long. Can you think of a better way to stay motivated to exercise in winter than the horrifying thought of having to go on vacation in a bikini that shows off too much muffin top?
8. Find a Friend
Find a workout buddy! Find a friend who wants to stay fit, too, and encourage him/her to work out, even when he/she doesn’t want to. This will keep you inspired, too! It’s a win-win.
Even though it is cold and dark, with all of these ways to stay motivated to exercise in winter, there’s no reason not to!
