Even during the colder months
We don’t blame you for losing your motivation to exercise over the recent months since daylight savings came to an end. With it being so dark by the time you leave the office after work, it’s hard to get fired up to do little more than cosy up with a glass of vino on the couch. Plus, with autumn well and truly here and winter on the horizon, the temperature has dropped significantly so it’s even more challenging to wake up early and get out of bed for a pre-work training session.
To combat all of winter’s workout hindrances, we spoke with exercise scientist and personal trainer Victoria Burdon, who shared her top tips for staying motivated to exercise in winter.
1
Have a backup plan
When it’s cold or even raining outside, it makes it just that little bit more difficult to stammer up the courage to brave the bad weather and make your way to the gym. When you’re feeling reluctant to workout, Burdon suggests doing the following: “have a body weights routine that you can do from the comfort of your home so you can still be accountable to your goals. Exercises like burpees, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, mountain climbers, squats, chair dips and crunches are all simple exercises you can do without equipment to help tone and stay fit.”
2
Try a new workout
Another way to stay motivated to exercise is by keeping things new, interesting and challenging for your body. “There are multiple run clubs, websites and apps that can help you begin your training,” says Burdon. “It can also be a great opportunity to get some of your friends together, and instead of catching up for some drinks, replace that with your training so you can help one another stay motivated and on track with your health goals.” Apps like Zova are loaded with hundreds of different workouts which are a good guide to use, especially when you’re feeling stuck for exercise ideas.
3
Keep up with your nutrition
Interestingly, what you eat plays a role in your workout motivation levels. Your first instinct may be to reach for big, hearty meals to warm your body up when the weather is dreary outside, however, sticking to a nutritionally-balanced meal plan can actually help combat that afternoon slump that often demotivates you to exercise), as well as fuel your body correctly for any training sessions ahead. It may also be worth switching up your intake of ‘regular’ foods with supercharged versions so that you are more prepared for your training session. For example, Before You Speak is a company that sells sachets of coffee loaded with ingredients like turmeric, Siberian ginseng and MCT (medium chain triglycerides) so it tastes just like coffee, only it also boasts the power to improve wellbeing and performance.
If you’re keen to work out at home, here are five ways to do so (and you can even watch TV while you’re at it).
What’s your best advice when it comes to staying motivated to exercise in winter? Let us know in the comments below.
Main image credit: @gal_gadot
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
