Ways to stay active during the winter months

As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer, it can be difficult to find the motivation to stay active. The thought of getting out of bed and going to the gym or running outside can be less than enticing, and we find ourselves staying in the coziness of our homes instead.

While curling up on the couch with a blanket and hot chocolate might sound much more appealing than exercising outdoors or in a gym, it isn't the best option for our health. Staying active is still important during winter. If anything, it's more important than it is over the summer because we tend to eat more comfort foods when the weather is cold.

Exercise can also help boost your immune function, which can potentially help to reduce your risk of getting a nasty cold during winter. It can also boost your mood and help you to feel more relaxed during what can sometimes be a challenging time of the year.

If you're struggling to stay active over the winter time, here are some top tips to help you find the motivation to continue with regular exercise, even when the weather is cold.

Workout at home

If you dread the thought of going outside to a gym or park to work out, you don't need to force yourself to leave the house! You can easily perform effective workouts from the comfort of your own home.

Find some online workout videos to follow along with, such as HIIT training circuits or strength-based workouts. (Remember, you can find great exercise videos in this Library, too!). You can also get creative with the things you already have at home. For example, you could use water bottles as dumbbells or use your stairs as an aerobic step for your exercises.

If you decide that you are ready to purchase home gym equipment, some considerations are dumbbells, kettlebells and resistance bands, so you can challenge your muscles and continue making progress toward your health and fitness goals.

Take the stairs

Something as simple as taking the stairs can help to keep you active during the cold winter months. If you take the stairs instead of the elevator everywhere you go, it will significantly increase your daily step count, which will help you to burn more calories and stay fit and healthy.

Create a workout plan

Whether you create your workout plan by yourself or with a trainer or coach, this process can be extremely helpful if you're someone who struggles to exercise over winter.

When you look at your workout plan, you'll know exactly what type of exercise you're doing each day. This makes it more likely that you will continue with your usual exercise routine and stay healthy over the wintertime. It will keep you motivated and will turn working out into a habit, so you don't even think twice about it.