Get motivated with these winter fitness tips

It’s said that summer bodies are built in winter, but at this time of year, motivation can disappear faster than the afternoon sun. Read on for some simple tips to help you focus on your goal, not the cold.

Take it easy

No matter what your motivations are or your fitness level, don’t set any rigid rules. Exercise should be fun, not a chore, so make sure you start out with a routine that’s not only simple and easy to begin, but one that makes you want to do it again two days in, two weeks in, or even two years.

Set specific goals

Instead of a vague commitment like ‘I want to be fitter’, find a reason for exercising that goes a little deeper and hits a more emotional trigger. For example, ‘I want to run around with my kids when they’re older’ can be an incredibly powerful motivator. The more specific your goal is, the more likely you’ll be to lace up the sneakers and face the crunch of frost underfoot.

Walk before you run

While it’s great to have a bigger ambition in mind, trying to do too much too soon can leave you feeling defeated. Start small and build up gradually, increasing the length and intensity over time. The strategy is used by some great running apps which introduce short jogging intervals, and then gradually increase the jogging interval length.

Lean on tech

Fitness apps and subscriptions to online workouts are great, affordable alternatives to having regular sessions with a personal trainer. Plus, with so much technology at your fingertips, from simple daily step counters to run-and-ride trackers like social network app Strava, it’s never been easier to record your progress and remind yourself how great you’re doing.

Incentivise it

Temptation bundling can be an effective motivational strategy to make the things you don’t like doing more rewarding. It involves allowing yourself to enjoy something you really love (like a gripping audiobook), but only when you’re doing something you dread (like 30 minutes on the treadmill). Start looking for your high value workout reward with Kindle Unlimited on SubHub.

Make it social

Some people love exercising solo, but if you’re not one of them, you might find it’s easier to stay motivated when you train with your partner, a friend, or even your kids. Beyond the extra accountability and support, by exercising together you might start to view your workout session as a fun social activity you – gasp! – actually look forward to doing.

Follow the sun

When mornings are cold motivation is low. Evenings are dark and equally dreary. That means your winter exercise solution may be during your lunch break. Take advantage of the brightest and warmest part of the day by going for a walk or jog, joining the nearest gym or organising a lunchtime sport with your workmates.

Choose an indoor sport

Cut out the weather factor altogether. Indoor sports centres often hold competitions for sports like netball, soccer, and cricket, or you could swim laps at your local heated pool. For something different, join a rock climbing gym, dance studio or martial arts school to develop a new skill, work up a sweat and make friends, all while staying out of the cold.

Look good, feel good

Regardless of how fabulous your summer workout gear may be, you’ll be much more comfortable (and likely to get out the door) if you have activewear that’s fit for winter conditions, especially if you’re exercising outside. Go for moisture wicking synthetic base and mid layers, and a light, packable rain shell to keep you warm and dry.

Wake up to warmth

If your schedule calls for early workouts, the biggest challenge can be emerging from your doona. To make getting up slightly more welcoming, set a timer on your heater 30 minutes before your alarm clock rings. And by tucking your gym clothes under your pillow, they’ll be close by and toasty when it’s time to get dressed.

Just sleep in your gym clothes

Seriously, do whatever you can to remove morning friction and get out from under the covers. Have your gym bag packed the night before, and activewear on, so all you need to do is roll out of bed. Your workout gear is about to get all sweaty anyway.

It gets easier

The tips we’ve outlined are designed to help break down mental and physical barriers to starting some good winter fitness habits, especially when it’s cold and dreary outside. As Stephen Hawking said, the hardest part is showing up. But remember, once the endorphins from exercising kick in, and you start noticing an improvement in your mood and wellbeing (as well as your health and energy levels) you’ll be wondering why you didn’t start sooner.

Get access to 1000+ workouts, meditations and more, from expert trainers on  Optus Sport. Available to eligible account holders through Optus SubHub.