By Jillian Warren
Winter is almost here and ‘tis the season for sipping on hot cocoa, eating peppermint everything, and bundling up in multiple layers. It definitely does not feel like the time to be working out in thin sports attire. Not even I, as someone living in sunny California, want to step outside on a 55 degree winter day, so I can’t fathom how someone else handles exercising in a place that snows during the cold season. How does anyone living in such conditions even leave their bed?
I suppose I’ve always been lucky to live in a place with mild weather patterns. Sacramento, California may get some nasty heatwaves, but winter lacks snow and avoids most crazy storms. It still doesn’t take away from the fact that working out during the wintertime is uncomfortable for all, no matter what your discomfort level is when it comes to chilly temperatures. But, it’s important to stay active and continue a healthy fitness routine. So, how does one stay motivated to workout when being wrapped in a hundred blankets while hibernating the winter away sounds much more enticing? Here are a few tips to keep you sweating your tush off this winter season.
1. Do Your Warm Up Before You Leave
Warming up before exercising helps to avoid injuries and prevent muscles from getting sore, but it is also the perfect technique to heating up your body. Before entering the freezing tundra that is outside your home try stretching or doing a few jumping jacks to get your blood pumping. This small act will help your joints limber up just enough so that you can rush out the door to turn the car’s heater on.
2. Wear the Right Gear
What you wear can make all the difference in motivating you when it’s cold outside. If you are a runner, adding a headband to cover your ears or wearing gloves can keep that morning chill from creeping in. Another way to stay warm is by adding layers. Knee sleeves can be used functionally for lifting weights, but they also make a great extra piece of clothing to keep your legs from becoming frozen stiff.
3. Get a Workout Buddy
It’s can be difficult mustering up the motivation to get to the gym on your own, but when you have a workout buddy, then it oftentimes becomes a priority. Making a plan to meet with a friend for a workout sesh tends to instill a sense of accountability. No one wants to let the other person down and so cancelling seems like a last resort sort of situation. Plus, you might find that it will actually be more fun when you have someone to join you along the way - no matter how frigid the weather may be.
4. Share Your Experience on Social Media
Just like having a workout buddy will keep you accountable, imagine using social media as a tool for the same idea. Whether it’s Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, or something else, these platforms were meant to be used for sharing. It could be a place for you to share your fitness journey, the goals you’ve made and accomplished, and a tracker for progress. This may feel very vulnerable for you, but remember that opening up about your experiences allows family and friends to support you through it all.
5. Exercise in the Comfort of Your Home
Of course, if all else fails, you could just exercise at home. You could literally roll out of bed, hit the floor, and do some pushups - all while the heater is on full blast. You don’t necessarily need a membership to a gym or a CrossFit box to workout. All you need are a few items to build a small home gym. A glute band is a simple yet effective piece of equipment to help get you started.
It’s important to note that no matter how cold it gets, staying active is essential for the sake of your physical and mental wellbeing. Exercising has numerous health benefits that affect your mind and body so keeping up with some sort of fitness routine during the winter months will help you stay on track.
How do you plan to stay motivated to workout when it’s cold outside?
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