Falling temperatures and impending holiday feasts create the perfect storm to foil your fitness plans. You may find yourself tempted to store away your gym shoes in favor of your fleece blanket and flannel pajamas, and snuggle up for a long winter sleep. Are you a bear? If not, then don’t hibernate this season. Instead, follow these tips from DCH Freehold Toyota to transition your fitness routine and avoid derailing during the holidays.
Winter Wear
Don’t let your lack of appropriate attire keep you from tackling a cold weather workout. Stock up on light layers that wick away moisture, gloves, and a hat or ear covering for the coldest temperatures. Even if you don’t get frigid temperatures during the winter months, be wary of wind chill. Invest in a breathable, wind-resistant outer layer so your walk or run isn’t cut short because of biting winds.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
If you’re noticing you have less energy during your colder workouts, it could be because you’re not drinking enough water. Hydration is always important, but especially in colder months when you don’t realize just how much you’re sweating through extra layers of clothing. You may not realize how thirsty you are until you’re already dehydrated. As a general rule, drink as much water in the fall and winter as you would if it were a blazing hot summer day.
Take Advantage of Peer Pressure
Research group fitness classes, boot camps, or training groups in your area. Group fitness is a great way to meet people, and if you sign up for a regular meet-up, it’s more likely you’ll make it to your workout when other people are depending on you. You’re also more likely to attend if you’ve already paid the membership or program fee.
Make Fitness a Tradition
Yes, pie is delicious, but there are plenty of colder weather traditions that are actually good for you. Sign up for a turkey trot and make exercising on Thanksgiving a family tradition, or look for a corn maze in your area. Fall and early winter weather is also the perfect time for a brisk hike, if you’re in an area near trails. When winter chills roll around, take every opportunity to go ice skating, indoors or outdoors. It’s a great workout, but you won’t realize you’re burning calories while you’re enjoying all the winter ambiance.
Perfect Timing
Check the weather forecast and schedule your workout for the warmest part of the day, if you can. If you work all day, this is admittedly a harder feat, but take advantage of the weekends to time your workouts perfectly and get some time outside. Fresh air always amps up energy and gives workouts an extra boost.
Indoor Intervals
Not interested in braving the cold or driving to a gym? No problem. There are plenty of interval bodyweight workouts that will provide a solid burn at home. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a massive calorie-torcher, and the workout circuits are completely adaptable for at-home workouts. Also try Tabata, a HIIT variation with shorter fast-paced intervals, or running stairs. Try some indoor workouts now, so you can have a favorite routine in your back pocket to fall back on when discouraging weather strikes.
When the holiday season hits, don’t panic. Armed with these tips, you’re sure to defeat the fitness freeze this year. Now get out there and conquer the cold.
