As the temperature drops so does our motivation to exercise! Many of us find ourselves making excuses ranging from “It’s too cold out” to “I’m too busy”. It can be tough to get motivated and stay motivated. Here are 8 tips to help get you moving through the cold snap:
1. Get the right gear. It’s important to have the right gear when exercising during the colder months. You’ll need clothes that fit well and insulate you. If you’re doing something like jogging or hiking look for layers that you can easily remove and carry with you.
2. Find a fun activity. As the seasons change, explore new outdoor activities. Try something you’ve never done before such as going on a scenic bike ride or throwing yourself into a team sport.
3. Walking and running. Walking and running are the easiest activities to incorporate into your winter fitness routine. Set yourself a daily goal of 10k steps. Use our Step Forward app to help keep your goals on track and compete with other steppers on the leaderboard.
4. Drink up. It’s important to stay hydrated when exercising during the winter. Though you may not feel thirsty it’s just as important to get in your 2 litres of water in winter as it is in summer.
5. Stretch. It’s vital to stretch your muscles before and after exercise. Stretching increases flexibility and range of motion, decreasing your risk of injury. It’s essential on cold days because your muscles contract to conserve heat, making them tighter and more prone to injury.
6. Join a group. Keep your motivation high by joining a group. Research has shown you’re more likely to stick to your exercise routine if you’re part of a group. Check community boards or find a group online.
7. Create a home gym. Set up a workout area in your living room with inexpensive equipment such as stretch bands, stability balls and weights.
8. Climb stairs. Either at home or in your workplace, spend as little as five minutes at a time climbing up and down the stairs for a very intense and efficient workout.