8 Winter Workout Tips You Don’t Want To Miss

If you’re anything like us, the winter time calls for comfort food, Netflix and staying indoors. But there’s no better way to beat cabin fever than by exercising your way through these frosty months! So don’t let the cold weather hold you back anymore. We’ve put together some top tips to keep your workout routine going all season long.

Tip 1: Workout at home

Working out at home is the perfect way to stay motivated during the winter months. You won't have to deal with crowded gyms or icy weather, and the best part is you won't even have to leave your house. You don't need a gym membership, expensive equipment, or even much space to get started, just type 'home workout' into Google and you'll be showered with endless options to chose from. If you want to jazz up your workouts, try using a resistance band, they have many benefits and give the same (if not better) results as using free weights or machines at the gym.

So, if you haven't seen your toes since October then it's time to get into action. A little motivation and determination goes a long way.

Tip 2: Set realistic goals

The key to sticking to your workout goals is they need to be realistic. We're not saying you should aim for mediocrity or avoid challenging yourself but just make sure that your goals are within reach. It's fine if they take time (and sweat) to achieve, but don't set yourself up for failure by making them impossible from the start. For instance, if you want to run a 5K in two months' time, that's great! But if you've never run more than 800 meters before and most of those runs were during PE... well then maybe it's best that we don't set our expectations quite so high right now. Instead, break your main goal down into smaller, more manageable ones and track your progress with a diary or an app so you can celebrate each success.

A good rule of thumb is this: If it sounds too easy, chances are it probably is. So go ahead and aim big, just make sure there's some room for improvement along the way.

Tip 3: Work out with friends

It’s no secret that working out with friends is more fun than doing it alone. Not only do you have someone to support you, but you can also challenge each other to work harder and push to achieve your goals. There’s something about having a workout buddy that makes the whole idea of working out more enticing. Someone to celebrate your successes with and hold you accountable when the cold weather is putting you off. Even a wintery walk is great exercise, so call up a friend and see if they want to join your fitness journey.If nothing else, it’s good for making plans and staying connected.

Tip 4: Set a schedule and scrap the excuses

When it comes to making excuses, we all have them. Whether it’s cold weather, too much work, something came up or the dog ate your trainers. Don’t let your excuses get the better of you anymore! One of the best ways to stick to a workout routine is to plan it out in advance, write down a schedule of when you plan to workout and what you plan to do. This will avoid any clashes with other plans and help you stay on track. You’ve got to commit and plan ahead so you don’t find yourself making excuses later on. Keep yourself on track by using a diary, an app or even a calendar. You’ll be surprised how much difference it makes when you stay organised.

Extra tip: Get your clothes out the night before because nobody wants to get cold stood trying to find something to wear.

Tip 5: Get Outside                   

We all know the indoors seems like the best place to be when Winter comes around, and of course, it’s great staying warm and cosy inside with a hot cuppa. But, is it possible the cold outdoors could be just as good? Well… the outdoors can be a great place to workout and it’s also good for your body and mind as well. Getting out into nature can help ward off seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is more likely to strike as we approach the winter time. The exposure to daylight can help improve your mood and gives you more energy which is a welcome bonus during these cold months. The cold air can also have a positive affect on your mood by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. So, if you’re starting to feel gloomy after spending too much time inside, get yourself out for some fresh air and exercise. Even something as simple as a winter walk will improve your mood and your fitness levels.

Tip 6: Try something new

It’s time to give your workout plan a seasonal update. This time of year brings with it so many exciting options when it comes to keeping fit. So, if you’re looking for something new and fun to do this winter, you don’t have to look far. Get some friends together and try out your local ice skating rink, this is an amazing way to get in some cardio as well as improving your balance and coordination - and if nothing else it’s a great abs workout from all the laughter. Maybe you’ve been wanting to try out hot yoga or swimming, but like all of us, never got around to it. Now is the best time to take up these activities, break out of your comfort zone and have lots of fun along the way. Working out in the winter doesn’t have to mean pounding away for hours at the gym, you can get great results from trying out new activities and you’ll feel a whole lot more motivated to stay active this way.

Tip 7: Give yourself a break

You've probably heard that it's important to listen to your body and take time off when you need it. We know it's true, but even so, sometimes we can be hard on ourselves about taking a break when we need one. There is a misconception that you need to workout constantly in order to stay fit but in fact, taking some time off can help you achieve better results than trying to push through. Give yourself permission to take regular breaks as you need them during the week. You won't get out of shape by letting your body rest; in fact, taking regular breaks is crucial for preventing injury and maintaining a long term exercise routine. So, if your body is asking you for a break, or if you realise you haven’t taken one in a while then stop, relax and let your body recover. Work with your body, not against it, and you’ll see much better results. Besides, who doesn’t love a cosy rest day in the Winter.

Tip 8: Make sure your mental health is a priority

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, especially with all the excitement that comes along with the holiday season. But one of the most important things you can do is take some time for yourself. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as staying physically fit - if not more so. And yes, of course exercise is proven to help our well-being, but there are other things we need to consider to fully take care of ourselves this winter.

• Schedule some you time: This isn’t time to catch up one chores or deal with life’s dramas, this is time completely for YOU! Let yourself unwind doing something you really enjoy. Or, do nothing at all and relax on the sofa in your comfiest clothes with a cheesy movie.
• Remember to eat healthy: It might be tempting to over indulge in comfort foods this time of year, and we’re by no means saying don’t have any, but try and incorporate some fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. This will have a great impact on your mental health and also increase your energy levels.
• Get enough sleep: Staying well rested will not only improve your workout performance but it will also improve every aspect of your wellbeing. Sleep is very closely linked to mental health and has a huge amount of benefits on how we feel and how we function when we give ourself the right amount. Try going to bed a little earlier and see how you feel the next day.

There are lots of ways we can help look after ourselves and these don’t have to be drastic changes. By making small adjustments to our daily routine, we can ensure a healthy mind and healthy body.

We hope these winter workout tips will help keep you motivated through these cold months. Have fun with it and keep things fresh. Get your family and friends involved too! And on a final note - Remember, summer bodies are made in the winter

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