We have long suspected that winter was designed to derail all of our well intentioned fitness New Yearâs resolutions. The days are shorter and the temperatures are colder!!!!
Excuse: “It’s hard to get out of bed or my nice warm house on this cold, dark evening.
It’s true that temperature and light have direct impact on our body rhythms in the winter extremes. But there are simple things you can do to encourage yourself to leave the comfort of your home.
Create Heat:Â Adjust the thermostat timer to warm your home. If the temperature outside the duvet is as enjoyable as inside,poof! the excuse is gone. Even better, put your workout clothes on the heater or radiator so they are toasty warm and ready for you.
Dress the Part:Â So true!!! The truth is there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. Is it time to upgrade to proper winter performance gear? If you’ve balked at the cost of higher-priced winter hats, gloves, tights, tops or jackets for outdoor activity, just ask anyone who’s used them: The price is easily offset by the increase in enjoyment, comfort and enthusiasm that helps counteract the cold. If you already have some, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a new piece. A new base layer or trail running shoes might be the bribe you need to head outdoors on a regular basis.
Try a New Workout:Â Get excited to try something new to help motivate you to get to the gym. Join a group exercise class. (My spin class 🙂
Meet a Friend:Â Finding a workout buddy to meet you will help keep your gym visits consistent because you have made the commitment to meet a someone.
Kick the Blues:Â Think about how much better you will feel after a workout. Cold, dark days can keep you feeling gloomy and blah but a kick butt workout can turn those feelings around.
Set a Goal:Â Sign up for a race, lose 10 pounds for vacation, get a new dress for a wedding. Get excited for an upcoming event and envision how you would like to look and feel for that special day.
Tap into Technology:Â Proclaiming your intention to workout each day on Facebook, Twitter, your blog or online community (e.g. Nike+) can strengthen your commitment, even if it is to avoid the embarrassment and guilt of not following through.
Reward Yourself: When you reach your goal, reward yourself. Not with a big cake, but with something special like a new outfit for your new body, a massage or pedicure at the end of the week for not skipping the gym. There’s nothing like working towards a goal, achieving it, then splashing out to say: “Well done me”.