Dont let the cold stop you from working out

​What’s your workout routine? This is a typical workout routine for me throughout the year, once spring rolls around. I get outside and start walking around two amazing parks that we have near our home. Usually I walk about an hour and then come home for exercises for my arms and torso, but that’s the extent of it. When winter rolls around, however, I usually lose my motivation. My muscles are screaming “Hey lazy! Let’s go get our blood pumping!” but I just can’t seem to do it. Is this you too?
 
If so, there are exercises you can do to keep winter exercise alive and healthy. First, change your routine. If you exercise outdoors, take it indoors. Scope out your neighborhood gym and see if they have a holiday special. Going there two or three times a week to run the treadmill or work the weights is still going to keep you active. If cold weather doesn’t affect you where you live, change what activity you do. For instance, if you’re used to running perhaps you could play beach volleyball.
 
You may also want to try something new. There are lots of indoor exercises you can do right on a yoga mat. Decide which area you’re going to target and go after that with new, innovative exercises. Just doing these daily exercises will keep your muscles active and ready so when spring comes you’re ready to get outdoors again. Or, if regular exercise isn’t working, then try weight machines or exercise classes. Find where your exercise fits in and you’ll fit in there too.
 
Next, get excited. Whether it’s raining or snowing where you live, it doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. While it’s hard to get motived in this type of weather, hold yourself accountable for your exercise. For instance, you could live post-it notes all throughout your house with motivating quotes to exercise. Or, you could fill the post-its with words such as weight machine, push-ups, jump rope, sit up—you get the idea. This way, when you see the post-it, you’ll be more likely to do it. 
 
Furthermore, you may want to also find winter activities. Where I live we get snow nearly every year. If this is similar to your home, then consider learning ice skating, Many public parks have skating rinks for anyone to come and enjoy. Maybe join a hockey team at your local park district or take part in other winter sports. Even having a sledding contest down the hill behind your house could burn calories. Be creative and have fun.
 
Finally, don’t forget to set yourself goals. For instance, say you want to lose ten pounds by Christmas. You may want to start around mid-November to give yourself a realistic chance of losing those 10 pounds in a healthy way. Once you achieve your goal, don’t forget to reward yourself. Think of other rewards besides food, such a trip to your favorite mall. This is going to keep you motivated as you reach your goal weight and exercise through those dark months we call winter!
 

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