Keeping fit is challenging enough during the warm summer months. However, the most dedicated fitness enthusiast can struggle to find the motivation needed to keep to an outdoor exercise regime.
One of the top ways to ensure you get your exercise done without having to brace cooler winter temperatures is by joining an establishment such as the gym Frankston residents opt for to keep fit. Changing your exercise routine during the cooler months is also an excellent way to ensure that you don’t get bored with your usual routine.
Staying Active During the Winter Months
Cold weather can really put a damper on any exercise routine. That said, it may be time to take your routine indoors. Our fitness experts have compiled a list of activities to do this winter to keep you going.
1. Consider Reformer Pilates
Many Australians are already fans of the reformer Pilates Frankston personal trainers recommend for a more intense workout. Essentially, reformer Pilates is done using a reformer machine, making it a lot more dynamic than mat-based Pilates.
Since the machine works with springs, it adds a considerable amount of resistance to the usual Pilates exercises. This makes the routine more intense and develops a better, stronger core. Hips, shoulders and pelvis are also strengthened in the process.
2. Change Your Exercise Times
Aside from the cold weather, another common reason people don’t enjoy exercising in the winter has to do with fewer daylight hours. This is especially true if you’ve become accustomed to jogging at sunrise or just before sunset.
Shorter days may make it difficult to fit your exercises into a busy schedule, but where possible, tweak your routine to get it done during daylight hours. If your work or daily commute doesn’t allow for this, consider getting your cardio done on a stationary bike or treadmill at the gym.
3. Opt for Indoor Swimming
You have to be really brave or supremely dedicated to swim in the cooler months. If this criteria doesn’t apply to you, rest assured, you aren’t alone!
Find a gym or community centre that has indoor pools. A session of a few laps or a water aerobics class is also a fun way to get some much-needed exercise. It’s also an excellent routine the whole family can do together.
4. Take Up an Indoor Ball Sport
Another fun way to keep exercising without having to do it in the outdoors involves taking up a ball sport. Many community centres offer badminton, basketball, squash, tennis or even ping pong. All of these sports work well to boost your fitness and it’s relatively easy to get your daily cardio done.
5. Ditch the Elevator
If you’re accustomed to taking the elevator or escalator at work or in the mall, consider taking the regular stairs if you can’t find the motivation for your morning jog. While you won’t burn as many calories as running, climbing up and down the stairs for as little as five minutes will create an intense workout.
6. Get Some Exercise or Dance DVDs
If there isn’t a gym in your area, or your work and school run schedule doesn’t allow time for a gym session, consider exercising at home. Buy, download or rent exercise or dance DVDs that you can do in the warmth of your own living room. This is another activity that you can get the kids involved in!
7. Stock up On Winter Gym Clothes
You may have decided that you’re going to get your daily jogging session (outside) in, no matter what—good for you! If that’s the case, then it’s a good idea to layer up on exercise wear. Change shorts for track pants, wear thicker socks and add a comfortable hoodie.
Our experts recommend ensuring that you wear something reflective if you’re going to jog in the morning or afternoon. Another smart tip is to keep your jogging clothes on for about 15 minutes after the session to prevent post-exercise hypothermia which happens when your body loses built-up heat. It takes around 15 minutes for your body to adjust after a workout.
8. Stay Hydrated
People who struggle to drink enough water in the summer will almost certainly not enjoy doing it in the cooler months. However, it’s important to stay hydrated no matter what season. A more tasty solution is to drink warm herbal tea.
9. Use Your Lunch Break
On days when you suspect you won’t get your routine down, opt for a brisk walk during your lunch hour. In addition to getting the heart racing, it’s also an excellent way to enjoy winter sights and get some much-needed fresh air. Encourage a colleague to go with you, so the conversation will keep your mind off the cold.
Final Thought
Finding the motivation to get out of a warm bed into the cool winter morning air presents a challenge to many people. However, tweaking your routine will allow you to still get the necessary exercise. Make sure the hard work you’ve done over the summer isn’t wasted!