NOVEMBER IS LURKING!
November, then December – and winter is here, though in North Carolina, we never know for sure. But motivation to work out and stay fit during the winter months can be challenging. The weather is colder and daylight is reduced. Some people may even postpone their fitness routines since their bodies would be covered more completely. Don’t do this!
I remember liking cold weather, since basketball season was here. Staying in shape was easier when I was running up and down a basketball court in practice or in games. Later, as a tennis player, I could play indoors. In severe weather, I would turn to my treadmill instead of running or walking in the snow or ice.
We must strive to maintain a year-round healthy lifestyle. This post will present a few tips to use in order to maintain motivation for our workouts during the winter.
- Set clear goals. Define specific, achievable goals for the winter season. Clear objectives will provide motivation, whether it’s losing weight, improving our strength or running a certain distance.
- Create a routine. If we establish a regular workout routine, we will embrace a habit of consistency and be able to stick to our objective. We need to set a schedule of exercise movements or activities that we enjoy.
- Find a workout partner. If we are able to work out with a family member or friend, we can hold each other accountable and have more fun in the process, even when it’s cold and dark outside.
- Invest in home equipment. One of the best ways to avoid barriers to exercise is to have a treadmill, dumbbells, resistance bands and other workout tools at home. I have many of these items and I am able to complete my workouts before breakfast every morning.
- Try new activities. It’s important to beat boredom in the winter months. We can try yoga, dancing, indoor rock climbing, indoor tennis, pickleball or any of many other activities.
- Set rewards. We should create rewards for successfully completing a fitness goal. This could be a movie night, a massage or anything that provides motivation.
- Create a home workout space. Having the right equipment and a designated area can make it easier to stay motivated. Huge space is not really necessary.
- Practice mindfulness. Incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into our routines will allow us to avoid stress and stay on target. See my prior post on deep breathing and meditation.
- Track progress. It is important to keep a journal or some tracking mechanism to see how we are doing.
- Embrace technology. We should use fitness trackers, smartwatches or other tech items to keep us informed.
- Focus on the benefits. We can remind ourselves of the health benefits of regular exercise, such as improved mood, increased energy and better overall health.
- Stay mindful of nutrition. We should maintain a balanced diet to support our fitness goals. Nutrient-rich food can provide the energy we need for winter workouts. See my prior post on the value of protein in our diets.
- Stay positive. Cultivate a positive mindset. We can remind ourselves of the long-term benefits of staying active and healthy, even during the winter.
EQUIPMENT FROM AMAZON
As an Amazon associate, I like to include their links in my fitness posts, since they provide relevance. I may earn from purchases made from the links. This does not affect the pricing. Each link will provide detailed descriptions, pictures, reviews and access to other similar or complementary items.
Fitness journal – track your workouts and meals
Health fitness tracker – providing lots of important information
Resistance bands with handles – in my opinion, the best bargain for a complete workout system
Loop resistance bands – I use these for physical therapy or for a light workout. Less than $10
Adjustable dumbbells – not much space required
Lighter dumbbells – for beginners or those who prefer lighter resistance
Nordic Track treadmill – I use his model at home. It is not the most expensive, but it has lasted well with daily usage
OTHER SOURCES
Check these two links at the side of my website:
Bullworker Fitness – for high quality home workout equipment that I have used for 4 years with great satisfaction
Dick’s Sporting Goods – for the best sports equipment, team or individual. I have been a customer for over 5 decades.
Here is a list of some of the very best healthy food delivery services:
FINAL THOUGHTS
We must be aware that motivation will vary from person to person, so it’s essential to find out for ourselves what works best for us in the winter months. For me, it was simply a change of sports or sports venues.
We can experiment with the strategies listed in my first few paragraphs to determine what is most adaptable to our individual circumstances.
The colder months may present more challenges for some, but this need not be an impediment to a year-round lifestyle of fitness.
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Let’s stay motivated!
