The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder and it’s getting harder to workout. None of these things make it any easier to workout first thing in the morning or after work.
It’s miserable, it’s cold, and the last thing you want to do is start working out. I get it.
So what’s the solution?
First, let’s discuss the fundamentals. Particularly in the UK, with reduced sunlight hours over the winter months, vitamin D deficiencies can occur. I am extra vigilant about taking my supplements in the winter as I know how the reduced sunlight hours can affect me. I tend to feel very lethargic in the afternoons and can’t get through the day without a nap!
Make sure you are looking after yourself from within if you are wanting to perform well at the gym. Take your supplements, drink your water and eat a healthy diet. Don’t give your body an excuse to not function properly. Trying to get through the winter months and keep your motivation high whilst dealing with the effects of a deficiency isn’t fun, and can really challenge your motivation.
Secondly, don’t neglect your goals over winter. having worked in a gym for a few years the minute it starts getting darker in the evenings the membership numbers start to drop off. Before you know it, it’s spring and everyone is stressing about losing the winter lbs! Don’t be one of them!
Just because it’s winter, that doesn’t mean that your health and fitness goals cease to exist, so make sure you work on them just like you would if summer was around the corner. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress in the process, and you will probably exceed your goal if you use the time to your advantage.
Also, let’s not forget that the winter months = hoodie season! wrap up warm and get the job done. I think there is something nice about working on your goals discreetly over the winter. It’s just you versus your goals.
Finally, try not to get swept up in the depths of winter, life still goes on, and just because the weather is changing it doesn’t need to weaken your connection with your goals. Yes, in general, we may feel more lethargic in the winter and there are lots of parties and family gatherings which people may see as a distraction, but if you really wanted it then you would do whatever it takes!
Here is to not letting winter stand in the way of our goals…
Jazzy B xox
Jazzy B PT 