Winter-proofing your fitness routine
Make sure your workout is winter ready!
Amongst the festive fun that many of us wait all year for, it can be tough trying to maintain a solid fitness routine.
In between making sure you’re all prepped for the festive season, waking up to dark mornings, getting used to the chilly weather, and having a much busier social calendar, it can be tricky to find the time and motivation to stay active. When the colder months come around, we know the urge to hit the snooze button on your alarm can feel much stronger, you’re not alone!
If you’re struggling to keep things going, we have some tips that can help your routine stick this winter:
Make your workouts fun
Putting some fun into your routine could make all the difference. When you find a form of exercise that brings you joy, you’re more likely to keep at it, it’s as simple as that!
Ensuring your workout routine is varied can be key here, which is why we recommend group workout classes, especially during winter. You’ll be warmed up in no time and they’re a fantastic way to dance, lift, run, move, and stay motivated alongside other people.
There really is something for everyone! Wondering which exercise class is right for you? Learn more in our blog here.
Consistency over perfection
Sticking to any routine, even if it’s been adapted, is still an achievement. Say you haven’t got time to go for your usual swim but still want to get some cardio in, going on the treadmill or doing some indoor cycling can work as a great alternative!
Getting back into your regular routine in January may take a little more time than usual if you adjusted your routine over the holidays, but maintaining a consistent workout routine means that you should be back into the swing of things much more easily.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if the weather, family time, or some fun social plans deter your usual routine. You can jump back into your routine anytime; the festive period and the memories it brings should be enjoyed to the fullest!
Turn exercise into a social activity
You know what they say - the more, the merrier!
Blending your social life with your fitness routine is a great way to get the job done. Having some workout buddies can help to strengthen the relationships around you, all while giving you and others the chance to spend quality festive time together!
If you’re stuck on options, team sports are a good place to start. There are plenty of indoor choices that you don’t have to brave the cold for either, such as badminton, basketball, football and pickleball!
Making fitness more social can encourage us to exercise harder, help us dedicate time to keeping active, become more accountable, and get our happy hormones (endorphins) flowing too. One study even found that people lost weight more successfully when they spent more time with physically fitter communities.
As you start to wind down for the festive period, your progress doesn’t have to if you winter-proof your workout routine. It’s a convenient time of year to adapt, pause, and reflect on our goals too, ensuring we can come back in January feeling renewed and motivated!
If you’d like some extra advice on how to adapt your routine during winter, our fitness instructors and personal trainers will be happy to help, no matter your ability or goal. Feel free to speak to a member of our team when you next visit us.
If you found this blog helpful, you can view our full list of blogs here.