Exercise can be great fun, especially when the weather is warm and inviting outside.
However, it can be a different story in the height of winter, where you may find yourself waking up early, only to dive straight back into bed because of how cold the world above the blanket can really be.
We all know just how easy it can be to lose motivation in the colder months.
With darker mornings, shorter days, and countless other priorities that need to be considered, it’s naturally challenging to maintain a consistent routine in the middle of winter.
Whilst exercising in winter may be tough, it is still undoubtedly important for your health.
With the right approach, there’s no reason that you can’t stay active this winter!
What’s more, is that with the cooler weather and the increased likelihood of your muscles contracting, you will also need to focus on recovery, whether that’s a quick stretch and a cup of tea, or having a long session with your massage gun, a refined technology that can help everyone from professional athletes to the average Joe train more safely and experience less discomfort post-workout.
Let’s take a look at how else you can keep yourself motivated and moving this winter season to ensure you’re fit and healthy when the warmer weather returns.
Find A Training Partner
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that even the most devoted exercise enthusiast can struggle and fall out of their routines around this time of the year.
There are, however, ways to maintain your mojo and hold yourself accountable.
First of all, find a training partner. It is much easier to get motivated to exercise if you have a group or partner to share this time with.
Knowing that you have made a commitment and that they are waiting for you, can give you all the motivation you may need to get up and go.
Heading out for winter morning jogs is also safer with a running buddy.
Set Small, Realistic Goals
There are many other ways to help you work out more often during winter.
Make the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle your focal point, and not just the exercise. It is common for people who begin exercising to feel frustrated if they don't lose weight or feel fit right away.
It takes time for those benefits to manifest, however, and knowing that this is good for you in the long term may make it a little easier to go for that morning jog today.
In order to keep yourself motivated, you may decide to set small, realistic goals, like doing twenty minutes of yoga every morning.
Your goal for day one may even be simply showing up at the gym.
Once you get that far, you’re almost guaranteed to work out, but you’ll also have demonstrated to yourself that you’re dedicated enough to meet these goals.
You have already done most of the effort by getting up, getting dressed, and showing up!
Now reward yourself with an hour on the treadmill and look forward to a steaming cup of coffee when you get home.
Don’t Forget About Recovery
Getting back to working out regularly can be tough on your body and it’s important that you take the time to focus on recovery.
Taking the time to cool down properly and stretch after every session is key in ensuring that you are ready for your next workout and stay free from avoidable injuries.
A deep tissue massage device may just be what you need to recover from a tough session at the gym, or as the perfect warm-up gadget to reduce stress and lessen the chance of a cold muscle injury.
There is no doubt that massage devices are trending, but they’re doing so for the right reasons!
With these handy devices, massages can now be enjoyed at home and with the same level of intensity used by physical therapists and athletic trainers, providing you with an effective, convenient, and affordable way to speed up your recovery times between intensive workouts.
Look Forward To A Healthier You In Warmer Weather
Following the tips above, you can ensure that you stay motivated and on track with your workout plan this winter.
With the right approach to your workouts, you can look forward to the warmer weather, knowing that you will be fit, healthy and ready for action when the sunshine returns once again!