I run fitness groups all year round and every group has it’s challenges. The summer months people are traveling, in the fall they are busy and there is food everywhere.
Winter always comes with “it’s too cold” and the ability to hide in our big winter clothes. It’s always something!
I thought you might be able to use 10 things to keep yourself motivated for your fitness during the winter months:
- Warm Your Home In Advance – Set your thermostat to warm up your home in order to make it much easier to get out of bed. I haven’t taken the time to learn to set a schedule on my thermostat at the new place yet, but I have in the past and it makes all the difference. There are even space heaters that have timed options if your space is in a garage or basement. If your house is warm when you wake up then it’s not as difficult to leave your bed when that alarm goes off.
- Sleep in Your Workout Clothes – This is a good tip all the time, but I know I HATE taking off warm clothes, to put on a cold sports bra, when it’s freezing. I’ll avoid it at all costs lol! If you already have them on, you’re already warm. It may sound silly but this makes a huge difference for me.
- Dress the Part – Who doesn’t love new workout attire? Find yourself some workout clothes you love to wear for cold weather. Make sure you choose something that will keep you warm and dress in light layers. This way if you start getting too warm, you can shed some of the layers to stay comfortable. I love our new winter athletic line that just launched. You can check it out HERE.
- Give Yourself 5 Minutes – Now hear me out! Tell yourself when you don’t want to workout, to just workout for 5 minutes. More than likely, after the 5 minutes are up, you won’t want to quit because you’ve already gotten past the hardest part. Plus if you don’t workout at home with On Demand Workouts like I do, you have probably taken yourself all the way to a gym, who wants to leave after only 5 minutes when it took so much effort to get there?
- Be Consistent – Set a schedule for your workouts. When you are consistent with a schedule, it becomes more natural to keep the habit up. Once you start to make it optional based on temperature, it can become optional every day. 1 skipped day can turn into a week pretty dang fast. Remember: You are a priority! Make sure you treat yourself with the respect you deserve all year round.
- Be Accountable – If you TELL people, you are more likely to do it! Post your workout intentions on social media, tell your co-workers and family, or join one of my private challenge groups. This helps you stay accountable to others so you don’t just shrug your workouts off. It’s easier to stay on track with others are expecting you to show up.
- Track Your Progress – If you have a goal it’s easier to stay motivated to workout. If it’s a size, a number, a clothing item, an event, whatever, keep it front of mind and track it. Once a week try on those jeans, or keep a calendar of workouts and cross one out as you get closer to your event. Having something tangible, and short term, can help a ton.
- Stay Inside – You don’t have to go outside or head to a gym to workout. Stay inside and workout! There are many workouts you can do from the comfort of your own home. I personally use the Beachbody On Demand service because it has over 800 workouts available right on my TV, for under $10 a month. You can sign up with me as your free coach HERE. No matter what mood I’m in, or fitness level I’m at, there is something to get me moving. Even if I’m still in my pajamas 😛
- Turn Errands Into Workouts – You can make almost anything into physical activity. Even when you are out doing errands, keep your mind focused on doing a little extra just to keep moving. I had a trainer once that said to “think fitness” all the time. I would consider it when choosing between the stairs or the elevator, finding a parking spot, or taking trips of groceries. You will be surprised at just how much more activity you can get into just doing regular life!
- Eat a Warm Breakfast – I am often a shake person for breakfast. I will use my Shakeology, Power Greens, Collagen, and frozen fruit, fresh veggies, and alternative milks. It makes a huge, filling, shake. It’s also COLD. It’s not nearly as useful as starting the day with a warm, fresh cooked, breakfast, or a hot cup of tea that I can put my hands on, when it’s cold out. Help warm your body from the inside out.
As you can see, there are several ways you can help yourself stay motivated over the winter months so that you don’t lose what you have worked so hard to do when beautiful weather is around.
I hope you found this helpful and as always make sure you are on my email list to get other helpful tips, updates, and invitations. You can add your name below!