You can work it out
Losing your workout mojo as nights draw in and temperatures drop? IMY BRIGHTY-POTTS helps to get you back on track
WHEN you get home from work in the dark or wake up to a chilly, drizzly morning, it can be difficult to find the drive to go to the gym or head out for a run.
With less serotonin due to the reduction in sunlight, and increased melatonin from the darker nights, you may feel tired and uninspired, but exercising could help.
According to personal trainer and nutrition coach at The Rhi Club, Rhianna Crisp: “As the chilly, sometimes gloomy autumn days start to creep in, it’s common for us to lose our motivation as quickly as we’re losing sunlight.
“When it comes to our health and fitness, we can’t always rely on motivation but rather that drive, discipline, and habits you’ve built. Saying that, there are a few ways to help you re-light that fire in your belly to keep working on yourself.”
It’s important to think about cost and safety, so prioritise group activities outdoors and free classes or exercise, adds Rhianna.
Here are a few simple tips...
MAKE A PLAN
According to fitness expert and director of Geezers Boxing, Leon Bolmeer: “Following a consistent routine you enjoy will help create both a boost in energy and optimism, as well as a willingness to want to exercise. Try to make exercise into a habit and plan your social life around your workout plans.”
GIVE TEAM SPORTS A GO
“Team exercise adds competition and the social element to exercise. Most of us are motivated by social interaction and people often go to the gym or sports clubs because their friends are there, and it’s highly motivating,” says Leon.
DO WHAT YOU ACTUALLY ENJOY
Keeping motivated is hard if you don’t love the exercise you are doing. Leon explains: “When it comes to exercise, it’s crucial you pick something you enjoy. Enjoying your exercise will increase the chances of long-term adherence. The best type of exercise is often a mix of activities you enjoy and are motivated to stick with. “
GIVE GROUP RUNS A GO
Joining a running club or local event may encourage you to get out running – with a focus on safety in numbers if they run at night, too.
Rhianna is a big advocate for Saturday Park Runs. “Don’t let the word ‘run’ scare you. Park Run is basically an entirely free event that happens every Saturday at 9am in your local park. For October and beyond, you can run, jog, walk, plod your way around having a chat with your besties, or meet some new people! All you need to do is sign up on their website to get your personal barcode, which you scan at the end to get your time.”
SET A PERFORMANCE GOAL – AND WRITE IT DOWN
Rhianna knows how tricky it can be to stick with it. During the first lockdown winter when her gym was shut she decided to get her motivation back by doing a handstand. “Every evening, I’d practise for about 15 minutes, ensuring I was pushing myself a little closer each day. Three weeks in, I got my first handstand. It could be anything from a 60-second plank hold to skipping for 20 jumps without getting tangled.”
PREPARE EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE
“Make exercise as frictionless as possible by prepping everything the night before: plan your workout, your route to the gym, put your workout gear and work clothes out, your toiletries and even prep the playlist or podcast you’ll listen to,” says Matt Boyles, a personal trainer who runs Fitter Confident You.