The air is getting cooler! Winter is the time when most people forget all about their goals, slack off with the training, and hide in big baggy clothes. This year especially, it can be hard to keep yourself motivated! We have the tips and tricks of what to do to avoid this happening, and if you follow our top 9 tips then you will be in a much better place come spring and there will be no need to panic when you need to fit into your swimwear again.
1. It’s really not that cold, so don’t whinge!
All around the world, people in far worse conditions still manage to get out and exercise, so we’re sure you’ll be fine! Ok Aussie winter can be cold too, so just make sure you dress appropriately. Keep it in perspective and don’t forget your goals!
2. Buddy up
It is always a good idea to have a workout buddy that keeps you accountable for showing up for your sessions. In winter this is even more important since it is the time of the year when a lot of people do slack off and forget about their goals. Have a chat with one of your friends or your partner and set up a workout schedule that you both can commit to, then keep each other accountable.
3. Warm up inside
When it is colder outside, especially if you work out in the early morning, it is a good idea to warm up inside before you head out so that your heart rate increases, the blood starts flowing and your muscles get warm. That way it will be easier to get started when you get outside and your body will feel ready instead of cold and stiff.
4. Stay warm
Dress in layers so that you can take a layer off if you get too warm. Usually, you feel cold to start with but after only a few minutes you will feel warmer, and then you don’t want to waste time on having to go and get changed or (if you can’t change) stay in the warm clothes and feel like you are boiling. If you are dressed in thin layers you can just take one or two off and continue your workout.
5. Stay visible
If you are working out outside and it is dark, like early mornings or late afternoons, make sure to stay visible for traffic. Use reflective gear and a torch or a headlight, and remember to always run or walk against traffic so that both you and the cars can see each other more easily.
6. Get changed asap
After a sweaty workout, you should get changed as soon as possible to avoid heat loss in your damp sweaty clothes. If you don’t have access to a shower straight away, get changed to dry clothes and that will also help you stay warm. Getting cold after a workout is a big contributor to getting a cold or the flu so make sure to keep dry and warm.
7. Try a new workout
In winter you might not always be able to do the workouts you would do in summer, so why not try something new? Doing different kinds of workouts also helps with challenging the body in different ways which promotes fitness and will decrease the risk of overuse injuries.
8. Set a big goal
If you know that you might get a bit slack with the training over the winter period, it is a good idea to set a goal for spring, for example, run a race or another challenge. That way you won’t be able to just quit training and those winter workouts will feel worth it in the end.
9. Give your body a rest
If you do happen to get a cold or the flu, give your body a rest to heal and recover. Think about what is happening in your body when you are sick, obviously your immune system is under attack and if you then go and do strenuous exercise the risk is that you get even sicker and it will take you heaps longer to recover. Think a week of rest instead of a month of rest when you end up with pneumonia!