A phrase familiar to all you Game of Thrones fans out there.
Although I wasn’t being chased by a dragon or a crazed army this morning, I certainly felt the chill in the air as I walked to work.
I’m not a morning person at the best of times, and I also don’t like the cold. So, cooler months present a challenge for me to keep moving. With others often reporting that their joints often feel more achy in the cold, I know I’m not alone in this struggle. Winter is fast approaching, so I thought it may be useful to share some ideas as to how I try and remain active as the chill sets in.
Here are some things I’ve tried and tested with some reasonable success.
Invest in some decent gear
Not having the right get up was always one of my main barriers to getting outside during the cooler months. I’ve since become a huge fan of puffer vests and I have also made sure that I have a decent selection of warm tights and pants to work through. Sounds lame, but feeling comfortable in what you are wearing can have an impact on the your attitude and performance during your exercise session so I recommend having some clothing options.
Set multiple alarms if needed
I’ve certainly been known to press snooze and continue to sleep through. Now setting a couple of alarms has become a regular for me. I make sure to still maintain my normal bed time during winter where possible, as I know that the temptation to sleep in will be that much greater!
Remember your goal
Knowing and reminding yourself of the WHY behind your workout can also give you that little nudge to get going. Whether it be getting strong for an upcoming trip, wanting to manage some aches and pains or simply wanting to better manage your health, make sure you have a reminder of that goal somewhere close by.
Meet up with a friend
I myself am much less likely to ditch a workout if I have made a commitment to meet someone. Research also shows this time and time again. My running mates certainly know this! Despite often been a bit of a grump initially, I typically finish early morning sessions feeling much better and proud that I still managed to get the session done.
So as tempting as it is to hibernate and burrow into a cave until the warmer months and longer days are with us once again, I hope these 4 points help you keep on track this winter.
How do you keep yourself motivated to exercise during winter?