The frosty mornings are here, your neighbour’s house looks like Blackpool illuminations, and the cheesy Christmas songs have hit the radio. We are officially in the Christmas mood! But during the lead up to Christmas, we tend to adopt the “let’s hibernate” mentality. And while taking advantage of the colder months to check in with yourself and practise self-care is crucially important, it’s also just as important to make sure you are moving your body and staying active this time of year.
Why wait until January to make your get-fit resolutions? Beat the crowds at the gym on January 1st, and utilise our five tips to help you get fit this Winter!
1. Have An Accountability Buddy.
Half the battle of exercising in Winter is the mental block of getting up and doing. Well-intentioned plans can go awry when we find excuses to put off exercise. Having a friend to accompany you on a morning walk or run can keep you accountable and help motivate you on the days you reeeeaally don’t want to leave the house.
2. Join An Exercise Group.
Joining an exercise group can give you bucket loads of positive reinforcement, plenty of support and put the fun back in exercising in the cold weather. Whether it’s a running group, Bootcamp outside or a live class on zoom to get the heart pumping, it can keep you active and healthy and helps you stay social during the winter months.
3. Focus On The Mental Health Benefits Of Regular Exercise.
We all know that our mental health can take a hit in the colder months. With less daylight and lousy weather, we can find ourselves overwhelmed if we don’t take precautions. Prioritising physical activity to keep your mind clear can de-stress you and flood your brain and body with healthy endorphins like serotonin, helping fight off any negative thoughts and maintain mental strength.
4. Invest In The Right Gear.
Working out in the summer requires not much more than shorts, a T-shirt and a pair of trainers. But with the Winter weather changes, your Summer outdoor gear might not cut it. With plunging temperatures and cold and icy conditions, going for a run in the right equipment can not only keep you warm, but it can keep you safe!
Dress in layers - Keeps you warm and protects you from windy conditions.
Protect your hands and head - You can lose up to 20% of your heat from your head and hands. Hat and gloves can keep you dry and toasty on even the coldest days.
Invest in suitable trainers - It’s advised to invest in a durable and waterproof pair with rugged tread or spikes for those running in snow or icy conditions.
5. Take Part In A Fitness Challenge For Charity.
Much like joining an exercise class or group, signing up for a challenge for charity can fill you with motivation whilst keeping you accountable to get out of the door every day. In addition, raising money for charity can help maintain good mental health as it adds value to you putting in the hard work! There are plenty of challenges to get involved in, in person and virtually:
Edinburgh Marathon Festival Virtual Challenge.
Supernova Virtual Winter Challenge Family fundraiser for Ronald McDonalds House Glasgow.
Alzheimer Scotland, Do it for Dementia Virtual Challenge.
Doddie Aid 2022.
Exercise is essential to a healthy mind and body, and making sure you have support, motivation, and the right gear will serve you well into the festive period and help you smash your new year goals!
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