So it seems that winter is well and truly here. And with regards to our health we all seem to share a love/hate relationship with the colder months. We love the fact we can get away with gaining a few extra kilos (hello comfort food!) and hide it under layers of clothes. On the flipside we hate the fact we often come out of winter feeling out of shape and sluggish.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way: despite the season,
staying active should still be a top priority. So I’ve come up with
eight practical tips to keep you moving throughout the colder months.
1. Cock-a-doodle-do: If you can only fit in exercise in the mornings, set your alarm on your phone and leave it on the floor, away from your bed. This means you’ll actually have to get up out of bed to turn it off. Once you’re out of bed you’ll find it much easier to stay up!
2. Strategic gym clothes: Prepare your workout clothes the night before and leave them out so you can just jump out of bed and throw them on – leave them near the phone alarm for extra motivation.
3. Bikram or power yoga: This is an amazing winter workout because you’re working out in temperatures of 30-40 degrees – no running out in the cold for you! Not to mention all the benefits of this form of yoga, including flexibility and the flushing of toxins.
4. Get a workout buddy: If you have a friend to workout with you’re more likely to commit to it. Instead of going and catching up for a vino, suggest catching up over a brisk walk.
5. Bikini bod: Keep motivated by leaving your favourite bikini in sight: hang it up in your room. This will be a constant remind that you’ll have to get back into it after winter, so you’ll want to maintain your beach bod, right? Don’t underestimate the effect this will have on your willpower.
6. Lighter workouts: Because your body is using up a lot of energy to keep itself warm in winter. You can cut back on the hard-core workouts; try for light running, walking, yoga and pilates classes to stay fit and healthy.
7. Productive lunch break: Why not workout on your lunch break? For those of us who just can’t get out of bed on a cold morning, this is a great option. Also it’s good if you are a runner, you won’t get nearly as sweaty as you would in summer; so can go back to work after a shower and not feel all red-faced and sticky.
8. Ditch public transport: Because the temperature is cooler we can easily make our way about using our best vehicle, our legs, without sweating up a storm. So ditch the bus and walk to or from work a few times a week.
Words by Nadine Ominski, Nutritionist & Health Coach
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