How to Find the Motivation to Workout in Winter

It's Winter - Do I Work Out or Sleep In??

So I might be stating the obvious, but many people struggle to stick to their fitness routine, let alone starting a new routine in winter.  

In fact, I've actually had a friend tell me flat out, "No, I don't exercise in Winter at all."  

Who can blame her? 

The motivation lags, and it super easy to layer up with clothing (hiding a multitude of sins). 

At the end of the day, I totally get it.

I have become a morning person in recent years, and even though now I find it easier to get my training done in the morning first thing, it doesn't mean it's necessarily easy for me in winter.  

I think that's something important to keep in mind - finding the motivation to work out in winter is hard for anyone! 

That being said, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to finding the motivation to work out in winter... 

SCHEDULE YOUR TRAINING SESSIONS

Try getting into the habit of sitting down once a week (I do mine on Sunday night to get ready for the week ahead) to schedule in exactly when you will train or attend classes - easy, the decision is made!

By locking it in, you have made the decision and planning it to happen all in one hit rather than continually contemplating it and making excuses for doing it another time. 

This avoids overthinking, and overthinking decreases motivation. 'Oh, it's going to be cold in the morning…maybe I should just sleep in.' and 'How dark will it be in the morning?'

Just lock it in, Eddy!

GET A TRAINING BUDDY

Find a friend or training buddy to help keep you accountable. You are more likely to turn up when you have someone who is counting on you to turn up, and it also makes the workout a lot more exciting! 

GET YOUR GEAR READY THE NIGHT BEFORE

I'm not kidding when I say overthinking it will drain your energy. Whether it comes to what workouts you're going to do for the day or what training clothes you're going to wear. 

Avoid the overthinking and get your gear ready the night before. 

Lay your training clothes out the night before and get dressed as soon as you get up.

If you're training later in the day, make sure you have everything you need packed and organised, including your towel, drink bottle, car keys and anything else you need! The less you need to think about it the next day, the more likely you'll do your scheduled workout.

COMFORT FOOD CAUTION

It's so easy to make poor food choices more often in winter. But unfortunately, the short term pleasure will increase sluggishness. You know that you can't expect to wake up pumped for exercise if you aren't nourishing your body with pure, clean, energising foods. It might also be a great time to try new healthy recipes.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP!

I always find it challenging to get enough sleep (you can check out my blog tips for great sleep), but I do try. It's easier to wake up raring to go to a pre-sunrise workout if you're not sleep deprived. 

At the end of the day, everything is better when you have enough sleep. 

One way you can make sure you're staying on track with your sleep is to try to get to bed at the same time each day so you can wake up energised.

MAKE TRAINING AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS

What's the main difference between those who are fit, healthy and lean and those who are not? Habits. Healthy habits, to be more specific. 

Do you know what your triggers are for unhealthy habits rather than healthy ones? You wouldn't choose whether or not to brush your teeth – you just do it (I hope!). It's the same with your workout. You might like to use some of these pointers to start creating your own healthy habits.

KEEP GOALS IN MIND

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail."

Before you know it, you'll be saying, 'I can't believe it's almost Christmas!" and the next few months will be gone. Have you ever heard that saying that Summer bodies are made in winter?? Now is the time to consider your health and fitness goals (your why) and what you will be like in six months if you don't stick to your training and health.  

Remember that there is definitely no magic pill that can give the metabolic benefits that exercise can.

EMBRACE THE WINTER

No, I'm not crazy.  Often people think that I just love being cold because I go snow skiing so frequently in winter, but I really don't. I just love snow skiing! It's an activity that I love. 

The change of season can be refreshing. It was only a short time ago that many people were complaining about the hot weather. But I say, don't overthink it, just focus on how easily your body will warm up with exercise!

I hope you found my tips helpful in finding the motivation to stick to your winter workout routines! If you're looking for some group fitness motivation, speak to me about group fitness classes that I'm offering!