Do you find it hard to remain active during winter? If so, you’re not alone.
According to the National Parks and Recreation Association, around 86% of adults say their activity level drops when the winter rolls around.
The winter months bring unique challenges to achieving your fitness goals, like colder temperatures, shorter days, and inclement weather like snow and ice.
If the cold weather that makes outdoor exercise almost impossible isn’t enough, the holiday season also makes it challenging to find free time to visit the gym.
So, how can you stay on track with exercise during winter? We’re glad you asked.
If you want winter exercise motivation, this blog post is for you! We’ll address some of the common challenges that come with winter workouts and tips on how to stick to a solid routine that keeps you moving all winter long.
Why Is It Challenging to Remain Active During Winter?
In most winters, it’s all too easy to hit the pause button on exercise and enter into “hibernation mode.” Doesn’t it?
You’re validated if it feels like you’re fighting your body to stay active during the wintertime. The limited daylight hours in winter negatively affect your biology by:
- Lowering your serotonin levels
- Disrupting your circadian rhythm
- Increasing melatonin production
- Reducing vitamin D intake
- Triggering Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Cold weather also encourages you to stay home, which limits your social interactions and makes it easy to slack off on regular exercise.
Reasons You Should Fight the Urge to Hibernate
Shifting toward less activity in the winter is tempting but can negatively affect your overall health.
Pressing pause on your diet and exercise routine during the colder months can result in lower cardio health and decreased muscle strength — not to mention potential weight gain from hearty holiday meals.
Working out through the winter can also counteract the effects of limited sun exposure. Exercise increases serotonin levels and is a great mood stabilizer when you stay consistent.
4 Tips on How to Stay on Track With Exercise During Winter
Your winter exercise routine may look different than the rest of the year because it limits outdoor activities, but it can still help you achieve your exercise goals.
Here are some great ways to meet your exercise goals when colder weather rolls around:
1. Focus on Group Workouts
Social isolation plays a significant role in derailing your winter workout routine.
Whether the colder temps make you want to cuddle up at home or long hours of holiday shopping keep you on your own, it’s easy to let the season separate you from others.
You can counteract the draw to wintertime loneliness by scheduling group workouts that encourage interaction.
Exercising in a group increases accountability, gives you time to socialize with others, and makes it easier to stay on track with your fitness journey during the holidays.
2. Take Your Cardio Inside
Running or walking outside is a staple for most people’s cardio routine, which makes it easy to break the habit when it’s cold outside.
Going to the gym to run on a treadmill or an elliptical may not give you the sites and sounds of a 5k in the park, but it will keep you moving during inclement weather.
As an added bonus, many gyms have cardio studios with virtual running guides or TVs to catch your favorite holiday movies while you exercise.
3. Invest in Warm Workout Clothes
If the thought of running on a treadmill sparks the opposite of joy, investing in some cold-weather cardio gear might be a better option.
Many athletic brands understand the draw of exercising outside — even when the temperatures aren’t ideal.
When looking for activewear designed to keep you warm in the winter months, focus on breathable, insulated materials that will keep you toasty but still allow you to sweat properly. Cold weather compression gear is also a great option.
These materials create lightweight warmth while wicking away moisture to better regulate your body temps during exercise.
4. Find a Workout Buddy
Sometimes, all we need to stick to our exercise routine is a little extra motivation from a friend.
Having a workout buddy will push you to stay active during the winter, and planning workouts with someone else keeps you from skipping out on a gym day when you aren’t feeling it.
When you select your workout buddy, choose someone close to your exercise level who builds you up and encourages you to succeed.
This positive feedback will make it easier to keep moving forward and stay active during winter.
Choose Fit Body Boot Camp for an Active Winter Routine!
If you want to dedicate yourself to winter workouts but don’t know where to begin, Fit Body Boot Camp is the place for you.
Our group workout model and dedicated fitness coaches are here to support you on your fitness journey every day of the year. We also have a fantastic community that builds each other up and celebrates the small victories together!
Want to learn more about our workouts and community? Stop by a Fit Body Boot Camp near you today!
