Working Out In Winter:
How to keep the motivation up when temperatures drop
Winter's cold & dreary weather is notorious for causing even the most devoted fitness enthusiast to slack off their healthy routines. It's no shock that people pack on extra pounds during the cold weather months. After all, when it's sleeting outside your window, it is hard to resist the temptation of kicking back on the sofa with some ultra-filling comfort food.
Before you reach for another bite of lasagna, stop. Remind yourself spring is just around the corner and it's wise to work on keeping up your fitness regimen year round. It may be difficult, but you know you can do it. Here are some handy tips for motivating yourself to keep burning those calories when it's cold outside.
Try something a little different
The best way to blast the workout doldrums is by injecting a little something new into your typical routine. Try a new class at the gym or purchase a few new workout DVDs. This is the best time to try your luck at cardio hip hop, yoga, belly dancing or even martial arts. Adopt circuit training with weight machines in conjunction with a treadmill or elliptical trainer workout. If you keep your workout fresh, you're more likely to keep working out.
Set a goal and start moving
Have you always wanted to try a 10K run but never thought you could do it? This is your chance. Sign up for one and start training. When you have an event looming on the calendar that keeps getting closer everyday, devise a clear workout strategy to help you achieve your fitness goals. Begin a training regimen to ensure you'll be in good shape before embarking on something that may seem to be a daunting task. Don't think you can run when it's cold outside? Treadmills are used by competitive runners and marathoners when they can’t run outdoors. Make sure to get an outside run in when weather and time permits. Even if it is winter, the sun still makes the occasional appearance.
Listen to your mood
During the winter months, people tend to be a bit more lethargic and lazier than usual, which is why it's quite common to slack on hitting the gym. Listen to how you feel and don't force yourself to do anything you don't think you have the energy to do. Try and get in some sit-ups or crunches in front of the TV, or some light yoga or stretching on the days where you really don't feel like doing much. If you think you can handle a little something, go easy on the stationary bike or elliptical machine. Workout for only 20 minutes if you typically do 40 minutes. Listen to your mind and your body. You may find once you're got the heart pumping, it was one of the best ideas you had all day.
