Embracing Winter Workouts

Winter can pose challenges for those looking to start or maintain their fitness regimen.

It’s less appealing to cycle to work, walk after dinner or wake up early to hit the gym. But we all know daily physical activity is essential for our health and wellbeing.

Physical activity releases feel-good neurotransmitters in our brains, which help to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. It also supports our physical health and helps to prevent conditions associated with being overweight and inactive, such as diabetes andheart disease. Regular physical activity is associated with a longer life expectancy and can improve overall quality of life.

This article explores practical tips for staying active and embracing winter workouts, ensuring that the shorter days don't hinder your goals.

Plan and prioritise your workouts

With limited daylight, it's important to plan your workouts in advance. Schedule exercise sessions as you would any important appointment and prioritise this time for your health. Consider early morning workouts to help boost your metabolism or evening sessions to de-stress after a long day.
 

Embrace seasonal activities

Winter offers a range of seasonal activities that can be both fun and great for fitness. Activities like brisk walking, running, cycling or even snow sports like skiing and snowboarding can be excellent cardio workouts. Dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear and take advantage of the natural daylight to help fight off winter blues.
 

Try indoor alternatives

Indoor exercise can be a great alternative. It might be important if you have a health condition that limits your ability to exercise in the cold. To ensure you still get out the house you can consider joining a gym, taking up swimming or attending a group fitness class. At home, you could try online videos, apps or even dancing to your favourite music to keep you moving.
 

Focus on flexibility and strength training

Shorter days might mean shorter workout sessions, so make them count by incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises. Yoga and Pilates can be done at home and are excellent for building core strength, improving flexibility and enhancing mental focus.
 

Set goals and challenges

Whether it's improving your 5k time, mastering a new yoga pose or completing a set number of workouts each week, having a target can keep you focused. Goals can provide us with a sense of purpose, meaning and direction. But just aiming to “get fit” is less likely to lead to success when compared to goals that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound.