Winter is coming! Okay, now that I have that reference out the way, let’s talk about trying to stay fit this winter.
Let’s call out the obvious – it is not easy. “F*%& exercise” is what I want to say – I want to stay in and nest for four months. But I know at the end of the day, if I allowed myself to do that, I would definitely feel mentally and physically depressed. For the past couple of years, I have really tried to get more into running as a way to mentally detox and relieve stress. And I can definitely feel more anxiety and experience sleepless nights when I don’t run – so with winter coming, I can feel some slight nervousness about my routines possibly breaking due to the cold.
It’s hard to stay fit during winter – and that’s okay
Between the shorter days, colder temperatures, and holiday distractions, it can be all too easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to stay fit and active during the winter months! And I don’t want to come off as one of those must-always-be exercising kind of people. If you need a little off time to relax your body, do it. I do that myself from time to time and I know how important it is to just focus on recovering. A lot of what I am writing here are things I have personally tried and found helpful, so if it’s something that you think could help you, then perfect!
10 Tips to Stay Fit this Winter
Here are 10 tips to help you keep up your fitness routine and stay healthy and happy this winter:
#1 Find a workout buddy. Having someone to motivate and hold you accountable can make a big difference in sticking to your fitness routine. Find a friend or family member who is also looking to stay active and make a plan to work out together. Encourage and make commitments to each other to stay on track of your goals.
#2 Try a new workout. If your usual workout routine is feeling stale, try something new to mix things up. This could be a new fitness class, a sport or activity you’ve always wanted to try, or even just a different type of workout (like yoga or strength training). This always seems to freshen things up for me and keeps me engaged.
#3 Go outside. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! Bundle up and get some fresh air by going for a walk, jogging, or hiking. The change of scenery and the vitamin D from the sun can do wonders for your mood and motivation. And even if the sun is gone and covered by grey skies for weeks on end, it is still good to remind yourself to get outside every once in a while – even if it’s for 15 minutes.
#4 Join a gym. If you don’t want to brave the cold or don’t have access to outdoor workouts, joining a gym can be a great option. Many gyms offer a variety of fitness classes and equipment to help you stay active and motivated – and you can even find good deals in the beginning of the year to hopefully save you some money as well.
#5 Work out at home. If you don’t have a gym membership or don’t feel comfortable going to a gym right now, there are plenty of at-home workout options to choose from. From online fitness classes to Youtube videos (I loved watching Popsugar videos – some of their workouts can kick your ass) to apps, there is plenty of no equipment required exercises you can do from the comfort of your home.
#6 Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator
#7 Make use of your lunch break to go for a walk or do a quick workout. Skip the scrolling or Netflixing during your break and do something a little more productive, which can also help get your cognitive skills moving!
#8 Try winter sports like skiing, ice skating, or snowshoeing – if you live in a place where it’s not snowy, see if your local college or sports complex offers winter sports like indoor ice skating – we have that in my town and it is a lot of fun to do.
#9 Use apps or online resources to track your progress and set fitness goals. Most of these apps have goals to achieve, provide badges, and allow you access to online communities, which is always encouraging to keep you going.
#10 Lastly, and this is more of a reminder than a workout idea, don’t forget to warm up and cool down before and after your workouts to prevent injury. Stretch before and after and pick up a massage therapy gun to help relieve your muscle tension.
Why is it important to exercise?
So, is there a why for all of this? Absolutely. If you’re like me, you may want something to keep you grounded as you are trying to motivate yourself to get up and go exercise. For me, it’s knowing how I am going to be benefitted from it (or else what’s the point? lol) – that way I have a voice in the back of my head saying “just keep going, you’re doing this because of XYZ”. Our why’s may be different, but at a base level, there are 3 main reasons why we should exercise.
- Physical health: This is obviously a given. Not exercising can lead to a range of physical health problems, including weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It can also lead to muscle weakness and decreased flexibility and balance, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries.
- Mental health: Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, and a lack of exercise can lead to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It can also lead to a decrease in self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment.
- Cognitive function: Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and problem-solving skills. A lack of exercise can lead to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of cognitive decline as we age.
Ways to Stay fit this Winter: Wrap-Up
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, but the main takeaway is that exercise is important for both your physical and mental health. By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can reduce your risk of health problems, improve your mental health, and boost your cognitive function. So don’t let the winter weather or holiday distractions get in the way of your fitness goals – there are plenty of ways to stay active and healthy all year round. Whether you find a workout buddy, try a new workout, or join a gym, there’s something for everyone. So get moving and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle!