Have you kept your Fitness in Winter on track? It is the middle of Winter and most people are finding it difficult to face the cold weather or perhaps even snow, to keep their exercise and fitness routine going.
I was recently asked to write a guest post for Robin Follette’s website about tips on keeping fit during the winter months.
Where I live, the winter is mild, however even here the cooler mornings make it so much harder to get up and get moving. It is so much nicer, staying indoors, snuggled in front of the fire and hibernating with a good book.
However, we can receive a nasty shock when Spring arrives and we our clothes are a size smaller or we our fitness level has dropped. I know I don’t want to start all over again – do YOU?
Keeping the exercise going through winter months will help keep you feeling happier. Exercising is not only good for you physically but it is great for your mental health. The cold, dark and shortened days of winter can make us feel ‘blue’ so it is more important than ever to keep your fitness routine going.
I would love you to read the article in full HERE and hopefully you will be able to take away some tips to help keep your exercise on track.
The GOOD NEWS is YOU can keep fit & healthy EVEN during WINTER!
You can have it all - the cosy side of winter AND keeping your fitness routine going!Click To TweetHere are 13 ways to keep your fitness on track during winter and help to put a ‘spring in your step’ as you greet the new season.
I’m sure you will find several that you can incorporate into your week.
1. Be Prepared
We all know that winter is coming so you need to make a plan for your fitness during the colder months.
2. Cut Down on Comfort Food
It is hard to do this as in winter we need extra fuel to keep us warm but that doesn’t mean we have to forget about our healthy food choices.
3. Keep Moving
The main thing is to keep moving and try to keep some form of exercise for 30 minutes each day. Go for long walks.
4. Keep Hydrated
We tend to forget to drink water in winter but it is just as important to keep hydrated all year round.
5. Join a gym
A gym is usually air-conditioned and you don’t have to worry about the rain.
6. Try Yoga
You can join a class or there are many DVDs or downloads available on the internet
7. Create your own gym at home
All you need is a stability ball a mat and some weights (or tins of food). Again there are downloads available or DVDs with workout sessions, or just do some body weight exercises.
8. Dance
Put on some music and dance around the house – you will have fun and keep fit at the same time
9. Housework
I know who likes housework? You can really burn up the calories with a good session of vacuuming or scrubbing the bathroom
10. Stretch
Take the time to really stretch and hold the pose for 3 minutes.
11. Invest in an electronic friend
There are watches that you can buy that will monitor how many steps you take during a day, the number of calories you consume and even your sleep patterns.
12. Grab a Work Out Buddy
It is always easier to work out with someone else so enlist a buddy to workout with or Join the Sizzling Towards 60 #couchpotatotofabfit community on Facebook.
13. Get Creative With Your Steps
Incidental steps soon add up, get creative and think of ways you can increase the number of steps you take each day. Perhaps park further from the entrance, get off the bus one stop earlier, or walk around the sitting room for 10 minutes 🙂
A WORD OF CAUTION: If you are going to try new exercises or programs at home don’t overdo and it is worthwhile booking a session with a Personal Trainer to make sure you are using the correct technique.
Now you have no excuse!
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to keep fit during winter. You will thank yourself in Spring when you are looking trim, taut and your clothes still fit!
You can read the full article here “How to Keep Your Fitness On Track in Winter”, you owe it to yourself to keep healthy during the winter months
Let’s Keep Sizzling!
See where I link up to each week……
16 Comments
Great advice Sue – I need it – thank you !!
Glad it helped Tracey! Have a lovely week and thanks for stopping by.
This is fabulous advise and easy to accomplish! I posted something similar and am posting another fitness post soon! Great minds must think alike!
Oh I must check out your posts Terri! I agree we have great minds LOL:)
Ohhh yes, I have time during the winter where my exercising does slow down. I live in Alaska where I can’t always go for long walks outside so I keep some DVD’s to use to workout in the winter when I can’t do anything else. I”m off track right now but Sunday, I’ll be back to exercising my 30 to 40 min per day.
Often times, I plan my walk so I get a mile or two by just walking around down with a specific routing in mind. I like the stairs rather than elevators when I can.
I have learned to forgive myself if I don’t get my workout done that day due to working from 7:30 Am to 10 or later at night. I know I can start again as soon as my schedule slows down and that is why I try to walk as much as I can at work rather than actually using the phone…..LOL
It must be hard living in such a cold place. I live in Australia in Queensland which is a temperate climate. Good for you with the DVDs. Sometimes we get off track as long as we get back on that is the main thing. Thanks for stopping by and keep warm!
Great tips, Sue! By making exercise a habit, you won’t have to worry about the weather, maybe just get more creative as you suggested!
Sometimes it is so easy not exercise if it is too cold or too hot but I know if I let a day or two go I’m climbing the walls. Thanks for stopping by to comment and have a lovely day!
No excuses, you’re right, but it is so hard on those cold days. PJ’s call, warm tea, and homemade cookies from the oven. So keep inspiring us, motivating our behinds and bringing us info we all know we need to do. I am so happy you linked up with me today. I want a variety of posts in all areas of healthy living and no better person to help than you. Thanks.
I know Michelle! At the moment it is Summer where I live so the sun is up early, which makes getting up early much easier. I’m pleased you asked me to link up. At first I thought it would not be in my niche but if you want variety then great I’ll keep linking up. Have a great week.
Great advice. Though my challenge is exercising in the summer time. Right now, mid-winter, we’re looking at about 80 degrees tomorrow. Tough life! 🙂 Thanks for sharing at the Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Yes, it is for me too Debbie. I live in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and our summers are hot. I need to run very early in the morning as by 6:30am it is too humid and hot and the run feels like a marathon! Glad to be part of the Blogger’s Pit Stop and see you next week.
Great advice Sue. I know it’s hard to keep motivated. Some days I can’t face the gym as it’s so cold and I don’t want to take off my lovely layers of clothes. I’m fine once I’ve been, but its the thought of getting cold! I love my fitbit too, it makes me move more as I feel guilty if I haven’t reached me step goal. One to add to your list, is to have fun whilst exercising. That way it won’t feel like a chore.
Sally @ Life Loving
#LifeLovingLinkie
That is a good tip Sally – having fun. As long as we keep moving and doing something we enjoy it isn’t hard to exercise.
Great advice! I wish that I could get motivated to exercise. That’s my #1 problem. Motivation. I need to lose 30-40lbs. *sad face* All time high! I can do this… now where’s my chocolate milk? LOL #overthemoon
Well Carrie why not join our #couchpotatotofabfit facebook group. No pressure and lots of support. Just ordinary people trying to get healthier together. Thanks for stopping by and I know you can do it!