Cold weather can make it much more inviting to stay indoors, and this can test your motivation when it comes to training and staying active.
There are also less daylight hours in the winter months, which can be discouraging for some runners and fitness enthusiasts. OK, so it’s normal to expect there will times when you feel a little less inspired to exercise over the next few months. But instead of focusing on the excuses, let’s look towards some solutions.
Here are some of my favourite tips on how to stay active and healthy over winter:
- Set a goal – What are you hoping to achieve from your exercise program over the next few months? Are you looking to improve your time for a running event, look good for summer, or maintain your existing fitness level? Try to find a suitable goal that inspires you, and keep it fresh in your mind to help overcome some of the mental barriers we are all likely to face over winter.
- Use the buddy system - See if you can find a friend, work colleague, family member or partner who enjoys exercise, and schedule a few workouts together each week. It’s a lot better than catching up over coffee and cake. A good training partner keeps you accountable and gives you an outside source of motivation, encouragement and support. It’s harder to skip a workout when there’s someone else to depend on. It can also make your exercise more social and enjoyable
- Plan ahead – Lack of motivation can sometimes stem from a lack of organisation. Try to think about how exercise will fit into your day without disrupting other activities. Identify a time that suits you best, whether it's before work, during lunch, straight after work or later in the evenings. Plan exercise sessions in advance and record them in your diary to help stay committed. Get your clothes and other exercise gear ready in advance, and have both indoor and outdoor training options so your training program is not so dependent on the weather.
Do you think these tips could help keep you motivated? Are there any additional tips you could share on how to stick with your training program over the colder months?