Workout Motivation Tips for Winter
Keeping up the motivation to exercise is hard enough when working from home, especially with fewer hours in the ever‐shortening days. Now that the weather is turning and we’re heading for the colder months, the thought of putting on running shoes and heading outdoors is often the last thing we want to do. With this in mind, we’ve put together a few tips to help you stay in shape as the days get chillier and darker. Read on for our workout motivation tips for winter.
Test out different activities
Sometimes you’re not going to have the willpower to charge headfirst into the wind and rain for a quick 5k. On these days, try switching it up and testing out different workouts. While some people might prefer outdoor activities, an indoor exercise session might be the thing to get you motivated about your workout, particularly as we head for winter.
There are numerous home workouts videos and tutorials available for free online, with no equipment required – all you need to do is mark out a space indoors with enough room to move around in. Try out a range of different exercises, and stick with the routine that works and has you most excited to train.
Have the right kit
As British walker Alfred Wainwright once said: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Winter accessories like gloves, headbands, thermal leggings and hats are all great for that extra warmth and make outdoor sessions so much more comfortable.
Lay out your exercise clothes before you go to sleep so that they’re the first thing you see in the morning, motivating you to get up and go. Investing in some good quality workout gear is also a must for winter. Exercise equipment can be expensive, and the worry that it won’t get used might be off‐putting. Investing in second hand equipment is a great option because you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth. For second hand gear and clothing options, check out our sports equipment page.
Have something to aim for
It’s hard to drag yourself up for a workout when all you want to do is crawl under a blanket with a cup of tea. As the weather becomes less inviting, having something to aim for is one of the best ways of keeping yourself motivated. Now is an ideal time to set new challenges as we approach Christmas with all its temptations, and the New Year resolution period.
Finding something specific to train for, like a charity or wider cause, can help you to feel like you’re committed to something larger. Even so, something as simple as setting a personal target like a PB can give you the push you need to keep going. The NHS couch to 5k is super easy to follow, and helps you to keep health and wellbeing as a priority.
Set achievable goals
Once you have an aim in mind, you can start planning how to achieve it. It’s important to keep your goals achievable and realistic – set yourself measurable targets that you know you’ll be able to meet so that you don’t get demotivated on rough days. It helps to write your goals down so you can visualise them. Schedule them into your calendar, and draw up a timeline to keep yourself on track.
On days when you need extra boosts of motivation, try scribbling your goals on post‐it notes and stick them around your home so that you always have a reminder. Be sure to include your past achievements as well, as there’s no confidence boost like remembering how far you’ve already come!
Buddy up
Exercising is so much more fun when you have someone to share it with. Having someone to support your achievements and help keep you grounded is a number one motivator, and can really give you the kick‐start you need on those tough days. Keep a copy of each other’s schedules and check up on them regularly to keep each other on track.
Make sure to give each other lots of encouragement and constructive feedback. Social media makes it easier than ever to keep on top of your buddy’s schedules without having to physically exercise with them. Apps like Strava let you see how your friends are doing monitoring your own progress. Making a fitness Instagram or Pinterest account with a friend is also a great way of keeping your energy up and boosting your commitment.
