Do we adjust our goals to the harder months by reasoning with ourselves that it is all too hard and that I will emerge from the winter months and work harder than ever, but for now the lounge, fire and hot chocolate look good?
Winter hibernation for our ancestors may have been a necessary survival tactic but that is not the case today. You do need to eat differently in winter and you do need to take into account the weather for outdoor activities, but this does not have to equal abandoning your health and fitness plan.
Let’s look at some strategies on how not to self-sabotage our summer gains this winter – or if you are waiting for summer – to start your new plan, strategies on how to start now.
1. Don't live in stretchy clothes
Yes, they may feel comfortable and yes, they may hide the winter weight gain but let’s stay real with ourselves.
Monitoring your body is important; this does not have to mean weighing yourself. Clothes are a great indicator of how our weight is going and if your clothes are feeling a little tighter it is time to do something about it.
Stay true to ourselves.
2. Walk it off
Winter is cold so stop using it as an excuse and get out there and walk. If it is pouring rain you are excused but for all else just do it. (See weather strategies below!).
The majority of us today sit for eight hours at work and then reward ourselves at night after our hard day with a good sit down and we wonder why we are:
- Putting on weight
- Have sore joints
- Have no energy…
Start moving!
3. Boost the burn
Walking is a great start, but to add some punch to your plan add some variety and intensity to your workouts.
Resistance Training – while being great for your posture and bone density it will also boost your metabolism.
Having a Sunday kick around with the family while being fun also works different muscles and challenges the body in a different way.
Go for a bike ride.
Try a class for the first time or buy some exercise DVDs to add that something extra.
Don’t limit yourself try something new today.
4. Weather strategies
Join a fitness centre for the winter period to limit the effect adverse weather can have on your health and fitness plan this winter. Try a new class or have a program written for you by a Personal Fitness Coach.
Complete your workout straight after work or as soon as you walk through the home door. Do not let the temptation of the fire and lounge drag you from the results you truly want.
When the weather really is just too bad, have backup strategies such as home exercise plans from a Personal Fitness Coach or Website. Planning for weather events makes it harder for you to justify not doing anything.
Train with a friend, letting a friend down is harder than letting yourself down.
Winter is cold but it doesn’t mean we have to hibernate.
5. Set a goal
Without goals it’s easy to drift along intending to change, but never actually getting around to doing it. Try to set a goal for where you want to be next summer. Set yourself a goal for the end of September. Then set monthly goals to pace yourself and ensure you reach the big goal. Finally, set weekly goals that are not based on weight or measurements, but are about what you are going to do that week to ensure you are on track to meet the monthly goal.
Summer will be here before we know it, so stay on track this winter.
