The winter season can seem to drag on forever and demotivate us from staying faithful to our New Years’ fitness resolutions. Cold days and less sunlight can be deterrents from staying active as the winter weeks drag on. Here are some tips and motivational words to help you stay active during the last weeks of winter:
- Set your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier, and get in a quick workout at home before work. Believe it or not, the days are getting longer, so take advantage of that extra sunlight in the morning. Find a phone app for easy at home workouts, or do a few rounds of jumping jacks, squats and push-ups to get your day started right. Doing a few exercises really will make a big difference. That said, you may find that getting started is the hardest part, but once you start you will want to keep going.
- Outside activities may be out of the question due to icy or snowy conditions, but do not let that deter you from getting a workout in. Join a virtual indoor cycling class or sign up for a yoga class online. Even when you’re remote, group exercise classes are a great way to try something new and connect with other fitness enthusiasts that can help you stay motivated through the cold winter months.
- Get in a quick workout during your lunch hour while temperatures are the warmest and the sun is shining (hopefully). Take a brisk walk outside or walk up a few flights of stairs to burn some extra calories during your work day. Raising your heart rate mid-day can also help you stay focused and alert during the long afternoon hours. Also, be sure to take a few stretch breaks. This will help break up some monotonous days, but will also give your body the mobility it needs to get through the day.
- Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is coming soon! That may seem like a ways off, but for most people, it takes more than two months before a new behavior becomes automatic. Start scheduling your regular workouts today to build a good fitness habit before the tulips start blooming!
Reviewed on December 24, 2020
