Winter Fitness Motivation

It’s that time of the year when the nights are drawing in, the weather is turning and it’s getting harder to get up in the mornings when it’s cold and dark.

If you’re struggling to stay motivated to keep up your health and fitness goals then you aren’t alone. The good news is there are ways to still feel the love for exercise and training! Have a read of our top tips below and you’ll be bouncing out of bed ready to hit the gym in no time!

Warm up well

When it’s chilly outside you might be tempted to get into the gym and launch straight into a high intensity session but doing this can lead to unnecessary injury. Making sure your muscles are fully warmed up before you start your session is particularly important when it’s cold, whether you’re exercising indoors or outside.

Try something new

If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut with your fitness routine then maybe it’s time to try something new. If you usually stick to the cardio machines then give the weights a try, or if you’re already lifting weights then try a high intensity class, or something more relaxing like Yoga. A change is as good as a rest and doing something new can re-motivate you to keep turning up.

Set a new goal

If you’re quite happy with the training regime you already have then maybe it’s time to set yourself a new goal, from completing 10 unassisted pull ups to running 10k on the treadmill within a certain time. Try setting short, mid and long-term goals to keep that motivation high, and look forward to that buzz when you hit a new PB.

Train with a friend

Having a training partner is a great way to stay motivated. You’ll be more inclined to try new things and work harder if you have a friend or family member cheering you on. Alongside this, a training partner will be able to hold you accountable and make sure you’re sticking to your goals and routine. Of course, training solo is also a great option if you find yourself staying more focused this way – it’s all about finding what works for you.

Change your perspective

We know it’s hard to get into the gym on chilly days, especially when even the thought of having to get your kit on makes you want to snuggle back down under your duvet. But sometimes walking through the door is the hardest bit. Winter can be a great time to focus on mental toughness, doing something tough each day reminds you that you’ve got this, and the more you do something the easier it gets! You’ve got this!

Overall, the best way to stay motivated is to find a routine that works for you and get yourself into the gym to do it! Training takes patience and practice, so don’t give up at the first hurdle. Ask anyone for help if you need it, and before you know it, you’ll be into the swing of things and LOVING it!