The days are getting colder, shorter, and darker! When these changes happen at this time of year, the thought of being cuddled up on the couch or in bed sounds a lot more enticing than driving to the gym for a workout. As fall and winter roll around, our usual routines can easily take a backseat. Colder days, shorter daylight hours, and holiday obligations can make sticking to a workout plan challenging. However, with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can keep your fitness journey strong all winter long.
First, take a look at your schedule and see if what you’re currently doing still works well! For example, as the days get shorter it may feel more difficult for some people to feel the motivation to go to their evening workout. If you find yourself wanting to just go home and relax after work because it’s already dark out, consider changing your workout time to the morning or afternoon. Important tip to consider if you workout outdoors: If you are working out outdoors (like running) when it’s dark out, you need some reflective gear to keep you safe. There are plenty of options online including reflective hats, shoes, bracelets and clothing.
Next, I always advise clients to set winter specific goals. Winter is an ideal time to focus on consistency-based goals, focusing on choosing habits and actions you can check off daily. Maybe you set a target for a certain number of workout days each week, aim to make one new recipe a week, or decide to try a new type of cross-training, like indoor cycling. By focusing on consistency, you’ll keep your fitness up while honoring that you may slow down a bit in the colder months. Something to explore: Sign up for a virtual challenge! Many winter races or events now offer virtual options that allow you to participate from anywhere.
Another tip I like to share with clients is to focus on and prioritize hydration during cooler months! Because our bodies aren’t as hot as they are during the summer, it can be easy to not notice when we’re thirsty. However, staying hydrated is essential for performance and recovery, even in winter. If you find yourself struggling to get fluids in, try drinking warm water or herbal teas that can feel more comforting when it’s chilly out.
At the end of the day, no matter the season, choosing movement you love is the key to making the habit stick in your routine. Choosing exercise that sparks joy, rather than using it as a punishment for the foods you eat, is a sure way to success!
Bonus holiday tips! We can’t talk about winter without mentioning the holiday season. Holidays are just around the corner, which can make sticking to a routine really difficult. Start by scheduling workouts ahead of time and put them into your calendar. Rather than waiting until the day of to decide if you’ll workout or not, ask yourself what is a realistic amount of time to workout and what days would work best. Along with that, always aim for your situational best. If your day gets hectic, rather than pressing pause entirely on your goals, try to aim for the next best thing. Holiday shopping derailed your scheduled workout class? Try parking further to get extra steps and allotting 10 minutes for stretching before bed. It may not be what you originally planned, but it is still something that boosts your health and gets you closer to your goals!
