Do you rely on cold weather as a get-out-of exercise excuse? It’s all too easy to press the snooze button and stay in bed on a chilly day, but think of all the benefits you experience from consistent exercise. It helps manage stress and weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and reduces the risk of disease.
If you need some extra motivation to keep moving this winter, we’ve got you covered with these seven tips!
- Buy season-appropriate exercise clothes. Winter temperatures require a special wardrobe. Have fun picking out quality workout wear and remember – warm, light layers are key! You’ll be comfortable and ready to take on whichever exercise or activity you’ve set your sights on.
- Create an uplifting playlist (or three). Music is a reliable way to get you up and keep you moving. A study from the National Library of Medicine shows that music can enhance performance and reduce your perceived exertion – meaning you work harder without realizing it.
- Change up your schedule. If you usually workout in the evening, but lose steam by the time it gets dark, try switching your activity to the early morning.
- Get a friend involved. Working out with a friend is a great way to keep you motivated. You’ll hold each other accountable, plus you’ll have someone to chat with to pass the time.
- Try a new activity. Have you always wanted to try yoga, boxing, dancing, pilates, karate, or climbing? There are plenty of indoor group activities that allow you to explore a new hobby and meet new people along the way.
- Explore indoor workouts. While there is much to appreciate about the great outdoors, dealing with winter weather and cold temperatures can make the couch look appealing. The good news is that you can easily move your workouts inside! If you are a jogger, try your pace on a treadmill. Do you love to bike but are unable to navigate slippery or icy roads? No problem, gyms and apartment complexes have a stationary bike just for you. And if you’re someone who enjoys getting joint-friendly exercise in the pool, then there are gyms and clubs which offer indoor pools along with a monthly membership.
- Set long-term goals. Creating a plan to meet your goals is a great way to manifest motivation. Your goal may be to de-stress, improve your general fitness, run a marathon, or develop skills from a new activity (see #5). Having a goal with definitive measures of progress will keep you on track. Remind yourself why exercise is important. Making the effort to stay active will boost your mood thanks to an increase in “feel good” endorphins and serotonin.
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.