Throughout summer you never missed a day of your exercise routine, then the cold weather set in and the exercising slowly vanished. The mornings are darker and the ground is wet. When your alarm goes off and you're snuggled under your doona, the last thing you feel like doing is heading out for a run in the brisk freeze morning air. But being active could just be the best thing for you.
Maintaining your exercise routine throughout winter will help increase your energy levels, help you to sleep better at night and you'll be in better shape for summer. As soon as you stop exercising or slow it down, your body will burn less energy. Wintery weather also brings hearty winter meals with larger, more nutrient-dense portions, so we tend to eat more than the summer months. Eating more and exercising less equals weight gain, and as we age this weight gain becomes harder to shift. So as much as you might want to stay under the doona, exercise is going to be heaps better for you.
When exercising in winter it is important to warm-up as your muscles tighten up with the colder weather so there's an increased risk of injury. If injury occurs it means you can't maintain your exercise routine and the benefits are no longer. Remember to do at least 5 minutes warm-up prior to your exercise - don't just throw on the sneakers and jump straight into it.
Always dress in 2-3 layers of clothing and make the top layer water proof in case the rain sets in. You could also wear a hat or beanie to stop you losing heat from your head. Finally don't forget to cool down with a light walk for 5 minutes followed by stretching.
In colder weather, you might find it harder to keep the fluid up, but your body needs hydration. Make sure you drink before, during and after a workout. Don't wait til you are thirsty - start hydrated.
For those of you who just don't want to go outside to workout, there is always the option of an inside fitness session. You could head to your local pool and start up swimming. Swimming is perfect for cardiovascular fitness and also tones the body. You could also participate in an aerobics class or spin class at your local gym or buy your own DVD and complete a workout in the comfort of your own home.
To make sure you get out of bed in the morning and not sleep through your alarm, set your alarm clock away from the bed. This will mean that you will have to get out of bed to switch it off. The night before, set out your clothes and sneakers next to the alarm clock so that it's almost impossible not to go for that morning jog. If you can stomach some food before your workout, eat something otherwise have a carbohydrate containing drink such as a Gatorade or fruit juice. Don't forget to take your water bottle with you as you head out the door.
If the morning exercise just isn't an option for you, remember that you can exercise at night. This is an option too. Go for a run or swim after work or attend an aerobic session. You could also have your own workout from your home. Buy a resistance band, a yoga mat and a fitball, and workout in front of the telly. With these 3 pieces of equipment plus your own body weight, you can do a full body workout. If you really want to, hand weights are also a handy purchase.
Remember working out in winter will give you the perfect start for summer.
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