Sloughing thought soggy winter muck and feeling the sharp chill of wind cut through your clothes is probably not the most motivating thing in the world. How do you roll out of your toasty, comfy bed in the morning to work out when it’s always so damn cold? Pair that with the fact that there’s never enough daylight and the almost bear-like need to go into hibernation and get more sleep than usual, and it would seem that your exercising routine is doomed to fail. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to be that way. Winter, as cold as it is, can in some ways motivate you and make your workouts even more effective. If you want to know what you can do to make this happen, here are a few tips you’ll enjoy.
Work out by having fun
Motivating yourself to do a workout you find boring is tricky even for professional athletes. If you can’t quite muster up the energy to go through your routine, perhaps it’s time to change things up and do something fun instead. It’s winter after all, which means that ice skating and hockey are easily-available, and can burn calories without even feeling like a workout. However, you’re not limited to winter sports, you can just as easily sign up for dance classes and let the hot beats of salsa remind you of the summer heat. This is definitely the perfect time to try something new because the change can give you a nice big dose of motivation and make you excited to exercise.
Just stay inside
Even if you’re not an outdoorsy type who works out outside, it’s still a hassle to get to the gym, especially if the streets are covered in ice. But hey, you’re in luck because indoor workouts are just as effective if you organize yourself right. Scour the net for workout programs and challenges that require no special equipment, or buy a stationary bike and ride it every day for at least half an hour. Staying active even when you can’t reach the gym is one of the most important things if you want to keep fit, and it can definitely save you both time and money.
Layer up
Layering clothes is the key to staying warm in winter, but be careful – layering for a workout isn’t the same as layering when you’re going out to do something else. You need to pick different fabrics, and good sportswear is a must. Regardless of whether you’re staying indoors or going out, you’ll need high-performance active pants made out of breathable cotton, especially if you do a lot of cardio. A shirt made out of moisture-wicking fabric is a plus as well, and if you’re going out, make sure you wear a layer of fleece, and then a waterproof jacket on top. Sturdy shoes are important as well, so pick something with a non-slippery sole that will keep your feet steady.
Eat right to restore your energy
The absence of daylight and the cold are a blow to our energy levels, so it’s important to find a way to restore them. Eating right is your path to getting through winter healthy, so stop relying on sugar and coffee to wake you up. Nuts, fresh fruits, and dark chocolate are a much better substitute for unhealthy snacks, and if you start your day off with a glass of lemon water you’ll get a nice boost to your electrolytes and feel more energy during the day.
The effectiveness of your workouts will depend largely on how you approach them. Staying active can actually improve your mood and give you more energy during winter, so instead of glumness and grumbling, use this cold weather as an opportunity to push yourself more and you’ll instantly feel better.