The clocks have gone back, it’s getting colder and we are losing the light. This doesn’t help the motivation levels for training over winter and often puts a lot of people off. But remember this – staying motivated during the winter season requires a change to only one thing: your mind set.
We are well aware the conditions encourage comfort eating and doing less, but the foundation of motivation is based on two things:
- The first is having a goal or target to aim for
- The second is understanding the positive effects your actions will have on your life.
Keep in mind these two foundations and you will always be inspired. Here are a few other winter training tips to keep you motivated.
Train for an event
There is nothing like having a short-term goal to work towards to keep you focused and on track with your training. Have a look at your local sporting calendar and see what events you could be training for during winter.
Set a goal
Not everyone is into running or weightlifting, this is no problem. Set another goal, such as a few pound weight loss or a five percent reduction in body fat. Motivate yourself by sticking a photo of that bikini you want to buy, terrific shape you want achieve or a great outfit you want to wear on the fridge. When you see this you are going to be keen to close that fridge door and work out. Whatever image works for you, stick it up where you’ll see it every day.
Focus on the benefits
We are all fully aware of the gravitational pull of the bed at 6am, especially when it is cold and dark outside. That’s why you need to remind yourself of the benefits exercise brings you. You want to manage your stress levels, build lean muscle mass, have an abundance of energy and feel good about yourself rather than falling asleep at your desk, feeling overwhelmed and overweight. Remind yourself the ways exercise adds to the quality of your life.
Embrace the weather
Instead of avoiding the cold, embrace it. Getting outside for some fresh air and open space will be good for your mind as well as your body. If it rains? You toughen up!
Get a trainer or gym partner
Personal trainers are great for motivation and winter season could be a great time to invest in one to push you through those cold winter months. If you can’t afford a personal trainer, you could always work with a gym partner to push each other or join a group class to help get motivated.
Reward yourself
This is something people often forget but when you reach your goal, reward yourself. We are not talking about buying a big cake, but with something special like a new outfit for your new body. There’s nothing like working towards a goal, achieving it, and then showing it off.
For a variety of muscle and fitness supplements to help you keep you motivated and active over the winter period visit: www.activatenutrition.co.uk
I laugh at "Embrace the weather"…but not too hard, for summer bodies are made in the winter!good advice about finding events to train for in the winter; there are likely to be quite a few Xmas fun runs; so that should have December sorted out; if anyone lives in London there is 10K Olympic Park Run series. basically do a 10k in the Olympic park in Stratford – it takes place the first of every month. there are also free fitness events; I take NTC classes with Danielle almost every Saturday and intend to do so for the rest of winter and beyond!www.thatgoodgirlchi.blogspot.co.uk
Great quote! …sooooo true! Unless you wanna spend all summer trying to get where you wanna be?! ..I checked out the Olympic Park runs but all on Saturdays 🙁 …and yup! we train come rain, shine, snow…. 😉 x
I'll run in it but embrace winter? Probably not going to happen.
haha! Jill, I think you could take your outdoors training to a new level on this point! …We have spent years turning rain into a negative thing etc so it's hard to disassociate the two 🙂 …I'm certainly gonna give this one my all this winter! 😉 x
I think the hardest thing to do it to toughen up (with the weather) but that all comes with having a different mind set. If you're determined enough you'll do what you have to, to make it happen!
I completely agree!…We have spent years turning rain into a negative thing etc so it's hard to disassociate the two 🙂 …I'm gonna give this one my all this winter! 😉 x
Embrace the weather…now that is a hard one! Haha!
Seems to be sparking a lot of conversation this one! …I get the point though! …We have spent years turning rain into a negative thing etc so it's hard to disassociate the two 🙂 …I'm gonna give this one my all this winter! 😉 x