Jacqueline is a former member of the Canadian National Swim Team with over 10 years experience as a fitness professional. She holds a graduate degree in Health Sciences and is also a nutrition expert. Jacqueline is the co-owner of Move to Heal, a sport injury, yoga, and Pilates clinic located in the heart of downtown Toronto in the Thompson Hotel Residences.
These tips are for everyone who has ever found it tough to get up and get to the gym despite the cold. As the mornings get darker and the weather gets colder, most of us find it harder and harder to stay committed to our workout schedules. It’s totally natural to feel less motivated in the winter season, especially for those of us who don’t have a trainer or a regular class to attend to keep us loyal to our personal program. However, if you change your mindset and learn to love winter — not to mention what it can do for your workouts — you won’t find getting in shape such a chore! Here are some of the best tips for staying fit during the colder months…
Get Outside
Outdoor exercise can pump up your energy levels, decrease frustration, tension, and depression. I actually find it hard to work out in the summer. Working out in the heat and humidity can drag you down by tiring you faster, but cold weather can be invigorating! Getting outside in the fresh, crisp air can wake you right up — no coffee needed for that morning rush. Most people shy away from working out outside in winter because of the weather, but as long as you have the proper attire, you’ll be okay. Your body actually has to work harder in the cold, which boosts endorphin production along with the amount of calories you’re burning. A happier mind and more fat-burning? It’s a win-win.
You can also explore new ways to work out if you don’t want to head to the gym. Do a great workout in your living room, and pump up the music as loud as you can. Bodyrock TV and Zuzana Light have some great workouts that can be done with absolutely no equipment needed at home. If you have a gym in your condo, it is even easier to start the day off with a workout. Get it over with before you have to even head outside in to the cold — the rest of the day is yours!
Take Up A Winter Sport
Winter sports can be really fun. You get to do stuff you wouldn’t normally be able to in the summertime heat. If you live somewhere where it snows, try snowboarding, skiing, or any other form of outdoor sport. Canada is the best place in the world for this. Just take a trip to Nathan Phillips Square and go skating! It’s a great workout, and it’s beautiful to see the trees and the Christmas lights. You can go have a green tea after for a warm-up and antioxidant boost! You can also take a day-trip to go downhill skiing or — the hardest workout of all — cross-country skiing! You have never felt a burn until you’ve done it! If you’re like me and love to be social, then winter sports are also great for meeting people. You don’t have to play beach volleyball to get this sort of benefit. It can be tempting to wrap ourselves up in a cocoon and stay in bed all winter drinking eggnog and mulled wine, but being social will boost your mood and make you happier.
Be Prepared
If you have your clothes and equipment in your car or in your bag, you will be less likely to use the excuse, “Oh, I have to head home.” We all know that, once we get into that warm room and toasty bed, we aren’t going anywhere! I never go home no matter what before my workout in the wintertime — I force myself to go to the gym first. The best part? Most gyms also have a steam room, which is basically the best detox you can get after a tough workout (or maybe one too many glasses of champagne at the holiday party). Knowing you want to be in and out of the gym during the winter will also help you focus on the intensity of your workouts rather than the duration. This way, you will double the sweat but have it over and done with in half the time — bonus! HIIT workouts or 20-minute treadmill sprint/walk sessions are great. Planned a coffee date with your friends? Get your hot drinks to-go. Instead of sitting inside the cafe, bundle up and enjoy a fast paced stroll and a chat! It’ll be too cold to walk slow, especially in Toronto.
Brighten It Up!
Just because winter is cold and dreary doesn’t mean your wardrobe needs to be! Spoil yourself and invest in some printed active wear in bright florescent colours. In the winter, it makes a huge difference to have a bright, happy workout wardrobe because it boosts your mood and adds extra incentive to go out and be active. Don’t break the bank on an abundance of pink Lululemon gear, but even small things like a hot-pink sports bra from Winners or bright neon-green shorts can help.
What are some of your tips for staying in shape during the winter? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.