How to Stay Motivated for Exercise During Cold Months

No matter how enthusiastic you felt about exercising in summer, it can be challenging to maintain day-to-day motivation for exercising in the winter. So we’ve come up with some ways to counter the three biggest excuses we know you’ll have at the ready. Hopefully, our suggestions will keep you going through the colder months.

Excuse #1: “It’s cold and dark in the morning, I’ll just have another 20 minutes snooze.”

Yes, we know your bed is warm and cosy but you can’t spend all day in there. Here are three ways you can make the transition to the outside world easier:

1. Warm Up Your Room – a remote control or automatically timed heater will make it easier to touch your tootsies to the floor, and once you’re up and dressed it will be easier to think about working out.
2. Energise Your Alarm – no one can stay in bed if there’s a catchy song on your iPhone playing. Ditch the mind-jarring ringtone and download something that’s mood lifting and energising to make you want to face the day.
3. Enlist A Workout Buddy – share the pain of an early morning workout with a friend, someone who’ll give you grief if you don’t show up. There’s nothing more motivating than knowing you’ll be given the third degree for making them wait.

Excuse #2: “Ok I’m up but the weather’s not ideal for exercising today.”

Unless it’s a torrential downpour or a life threatening hail storm, a bit of drizzle and cloud isn’t a reason to have another coffee and forgo being active. Try these three ideas to boost your momentum:

1. Buy New Workout Clothes – If you’ve been using the same old sad, tired gear then no wonder you’re reluctant to put it on. Bribe yourself with some decent winter workout clothing and we guarantee you’ll feel warmer and more comfortable.
2. Warm Up Inside – Warming up your muscles is important in cold weather, but no one says you have to do it outside. Just a few stretches indoors will banish all thoughts of going back to bed, and since you’ve warmed up, you may as well go for a run.
3. Keep Winter Workouts Simple – If outdoor morning workouts are just too difficult, stick to a lunch time run, a power walk around your neighbourhood when you get home or a Saturday morning exercise class indoors.  You could even rent fitness equipment from us and work out in the comfort of your own home!

Excuse #3: “I don’t seem to feel energetic, I’ll skip a day”

Having a reason or goal to exercise often makes us more willing to do it regularly. As can trying something different. These three ideas could help fuel your fire:

1. What’s Your Goal? – Keep the big picture in mind whether it’s a spring marathon or summer wedding you want to lose weight for. Know that your winter workouts are getting you closer to that achievement.
2. Reward Small Targets – If three months of winter workouts look daunting, break it down into smaller goals so you can stay on track. Give yourself a mini-reward each time you achieve a target.
3. Change It Up – If the gym isn’t doing it for you step out of your comfort zone and try something different. Salsa dancing, hiking and even hula hooping are all fun ways to get more exercise in winter.