How to Stay in shape during the Winter
When the thermometer starts decreasing in temperature, so does our motivation to get up and get going in the morning. This is also accompanied by the desire to consume more caloric foods such as breads and chocolates, which makes keeping fit and controlling our weight more of a challenge. It is for this reason that exercise, even in winter, is important, and the following tips can be useful if we continue to do regular physical activity.
Stay warm
During the winter and cold weather your body is literally fighting to retain its heat, so it is ideal to dress for the weather, using warm clothing and keeping doors and windows closed to retain heat inside.
Schedule your workouts
In addition to the cold weather, there are other challenges to keep working out during the winter. There are less daylight hours – many people do not even get off work before darkness falls – and there are many work and family commitments, meetings, events, and more during the winter months. Try to adjust your exercise routine to the hours you have available; a good idea is to exercise in the morning if possible.
Challenge yourself
Signing up to participate in a sporting event or race in springtime can help you stay in shape during the winter, but remember that you must prepare for it, so set daily and weekly goals. These short-term challenges are necessary for your motivation during the winter.
Become a member of a gym or exercise at home
If it is too cold to train outside, consider becoming a member of a club: There are many whose membership is accessible and also gives you the opportunity to vary your exercises. Choosing and exploring new options will surely find an activity that grabs your attention.
Routines at home
Moreover, you can also work out in the comfort of your home whether you make use of a stationary bike, do routines that appear on television, or looking up a dance routine or cardio exercise on the Internet. Today technology has put various ways of exercising at home at our disposal. Sometimes, even walking around the room can be a great way to exercise: The main thing is to not stop moving.
Exercising at home is an ideal option for those who do not have time to travel to a gym, and cannot get out due to weather conditions and the cold.
Work out with friends
It has been found that during the winter months, our spirits are often dampened. Scheduling group activities for exercise is a good idea, as this will help you relax and to enjoy a healthy life, in addition to caring for your health and figure.
Get quality clothing
It is normal to not have winter clothes for exercise, probably because you usually do not exercising during the winter. Buy a medium size, get suitable footwear and warm clothing and/or sportswear. Remember it is recommended that you buy clothes that can be easily taken off due to temperature changes that occur with exercise and in the colder months.
If you want to run, do not forget that…
While doing exercise outside, you must protect yourself from the cold, so it is recommended that before jogging or running that you moisturise well and you do a short warm-up routine.
If it is very cold, also use clothing to protect your head. Remember to use a scarf or ski mask to cover your mouth and nose as cold air can lead to discomfort such as burning breath and even affect diseases of the respiratory tract. Some people prefer to exercise when the sun has risen in the morning as it is a source of heat.