call us now: 0430 052 561

Staying motivated through winter

Posted by on 30 May 2010 | 0 Comments

It's cold, it's dark and it might even be raining - are you going to use that as an excuse to stop exercising through winter? Here's some tips to keep your motivation and focus through the colder months. • Commit to your exercise. Sign up for a group class or make an appointment for a personal training session, put it in your diary and be there. • Train with a friend. Not only do you help each other stay motivated, but exercising becomes social. • Sign up for an event such as City2Surf or the Bridge Run. Choose an event that is going to challenge you and ensure that you stick to your training plan. • Get the right gear. Layer your clothes so you can remove items as you warm up. Consider investing in some technical sports items – those like Nike Dry Fit and Adidas Climacool will keep you dry when training. Fabrics that draw moisture away from your skin will prevent you from getting wet and cold. • Wear a hat. Approximately one-third of your body's heat loss is through the head. Wearing a cap or a running beanie (they wick the sweat away) will keep you warm and dry. • Be prepared. If you train in the mornings, put your clothes beside your bed the night before so you don't have to run around trying to find things in the cold. If you train at night, get changed at work and go straight to your class. Avoiding the couch is key! • Exercise at a time that works for you. If you really don't like training in the dark then schedule in some lunchtime sessions. Find a class, go for a run or walk with some friends. • Look at your goals and accept what it is going to take to get there. Unfortunately curling up in front of the heater is not going to help you achieve your health and fitness goals (as much as we wish it would!). • Think about how far you have come, give yourself credit for it and be determined never to go back. Don't undo your hard work over summer by becoming inactive over winter • Picture yourself in summer. Whether it be in a bikini for the girls, shirt off on the beach for the guys, looking good in a pretty dress or shorts. Use this image to motivate yourself.