Happy November everyone! As we approach Thanksgiving, the weather is just now starting to turn colder. While fall is my favorite time of year, I do find it harder to stay active during the fall and winter seasons. It’s mainly because of the increase of cloudy, dreary weather and the chilly air that makes me want to stay inside. Staying active during this time of year can be difficult and even discouraging, but there are ways to keep your motivation alive! Here are some of the ways I plan to keep being active during the winter, and I hope it gives you some ideas of your own to implement!
The Gym
Now, the most obvious and, arguably, the easiest way to stay active when its cold is to go to the gym. This is when my gym attendance is at its peak. I prefer working out outside whether it’s through running, playing tennis, walking, etc. However, when it gets too cold, the gym is the next best option. You are sheltered from the harsh weather conditions, and you have a plethora of options to choose from. If you have access to a gym or have a membership, this is a great option. The hardest part of this is actually getting yourself to the gym in the first place. I know during winter, I have to prepare myself every time I go outside. Usually, when I go to the gym it’s dark and cold outside, which are not ideal conditions. So, that can really hinder me from physically getting to the gym because I want to stay inside.
Some remedies to this could be to recruit a friend or a group of friends to go with you. This way, you have accountability buddies and a fun way to spend time with friends. This will help motivate you to get up and go because other people are depending on you. Another way to motivate yourself is to save an episode of a podcast you like or an album you want to listen to for the gym. This will give you something to look forward to while you’re working out and will increase your chances of actually going! If you have any suggestions or tips of your own, feel free to comment them below!
Group Fitness
Another plan I have in place this winter is to attend my group fitness classes, specifically Corepower Yoga. Like the gym, there are a great indoor option to keep workouts going. I already did a blog on Corepower, so if you are interested or want to learn more about it, you can read that blog here. Their hot yoga classes will be especially enjoyable during the wintertime, so I’m excited for that! You can find any group fitness class that you like. Zumba, pilates, barre, cycling and yoga are all great options, and there are many more out there that you can discover. Many of these group fitness places have free trials that you can sign up for to test them out. You could go fitness class-hopping with friends and make a fun activity out of it! I find that these classes are special because you are in a bigger group. Personally, this motivates me just seeing other people showing up for themselves!
Swimming
This is a little more niche; however, it’s also an effective option. If you have access to an indoor pool, you could go swimming. I’m not the most educated in what the best way to approach swimming is, but I do know that you could just swim laps or even do a water aerobics class! Swimming is such a good cardio exercise, and it’s just fun! If you can find an indoor pool, this could be a fun way to stay active.
Seasonal Activities
Something that is a little less directly fitness-focused is seasonal activities. This is where I classify activities like ice skating, trips to the market, playing in the snow, etc. These are fun ways to stay active, and most of the time, you don’t even realize that you’re moving as much as you are. Find some festive activities to do with your friends, family and/or significant other, and see how joyous staying active can be!
Hopefully, these ideas help jumpstart your plan for staying active in the winter. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season! Stay warm!
