Six ways to keep exercising during winter
1) Sign up to a challenge
Whether it is a running club or signing up to a Gym aerobics club, having a goal can give shape and structure to an exercise routine. Whatever your motivation and fitness level, there are numerous events that you can join.
2) Make it social
Some people love exercising on their own, but for others, it is helpful to have company. Buddy up with a friend or get involved with a local group or class. “Research suggests that if people are meeting up with friends to exercise they are less likely to pull out.”
3) Keep warm in your kit
If you are going from your place for exercise, wrap up in a coat or jacket so as not to get chilly while travelling. Visibility is also something worth paying attention to if you are exercising outside in the dark.
4) NMix it up
“Variety is the key to enjoying exercise,” explains our head personal trainer Kagiso Chiwe “Doing the same type of training can be demotivating.” People who repeat the same exercises (three times a week) are more likely to quit than those who varied the type of exercise between sessions.
5) Train at home
Rethink your strategy there are free online tutorials, videos and podcasts or subscription-based services. I recommend using indoor training to complement outdoor training. “If you’re training for an outdoor race, for example a 5 km or 10 km run, and then you should be doing strength training as well.
6) Give yourself a rest
Rest and recovery are important, especially if you are undertaking intense exercise or building up your fitness. Be it a hot drink or a warm bath to soothe your cold bones, having a reward to look forward to can be key on cold, miserable days.