We know keeping on track with your gym routine during winter can be a struggle. Where choosing to snooze the 5:30am alarm on a rainy morning becomes a regular occurrence. So to help you keep on track we’ve got some top tips on how to stay motivated during winter.
HAVE A GOAL IN MIND
The best way to stay motivated within your fitness routine is to have an attainable goal to work towards. An achievable goal is one which is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. By tracking your workouts and progressions each week you can hold yourself accountable and stay on track and motivated during winter.
HAVE A GYM PARTNER
Having a training partner is great for sticking to your gym routine during winter. By training with a friend, you can stay motivated and help to push each other throughout even the toughest session. Not only that, but knowing there’s someone counting on you, you’ll be less likely to snooze your alarm in the morning!
SIGN UP TO CLASSES
Signing up to a class or group training session is a great way to spice up your workouts and challenge yourself. In many classes you’ll be surrounded by other people with similar goals which can help to meet new people and make gym friends. Not only that, but a group class can take the hard work out of planning your sessions and give you something new and exciting to try. You’ll also have a personal trainer to help keep you going and push you on days when you’re feeling tired and unmotivated.
PLACE YOUR ALARM/PHONE AWAY FROM YOUR BED
A lot of us keep our smart phones right by our bed. This makes it super easy at 5am to snooze and seep through your alarm. But by placing your phone away from the bed, you’ll be forced to get up and out of bed to turn your alarm off. This takes away the hard part and if you’re out of bed already you’ll be more likely to get ready and hit the gym.
PREP YOUR MEALS AND PACK YOUR GYM BAG
When the cold weather hits, it can be normal to crave comfort food. But by prepping your meals each week you can stay on track with your nutrition and goals during winter. Getting into the habit of packing your gym bag every night before bed can also remove the stress around rushing and getting ready in the morning. Being prepared and organised with your goal in mind is a great way to make sure you stick to your routine.
CHANGE THE TIME YOU EXERCISE
Have you hit the point where suddenly getting up at 5:30am has become almost impossible? If you’re struggling to get up early or maintain energy by the end of the day - why not try changing the time you train. Try swapping an evening session for a morning session or visa versa. Or if the dark mornings and nights are an issue why not see if you can fit in some training during your lunch break!
HAVE A GOOD PLAYLIST
Music can be a great way to get yourself excited and pumped for a gym session. Try getting creative and building great playlists to help push yourself through different workouts and stay motivated.
STOCK UP ON YOUR NUTRITION, VITAMINS & MINERALS
Stocking up on sports nutrition to support your goal is a good investment to keep you working towards your goal. Not only that, but when the winter weather hits … so does flu season! Getting sick is sure to leave you feeling unmotivated and unable to train. By getting all the vitamins and minerals you need through handy supplements you can keep your immune system in check and feel energised during the winter months.
REWARD YOURSELF
Planning a reward for sticking to your goals is great way to stay motivated. Try listing all the positives from the week and giving yourself a reward for hard work by planning weekly treats to look forward to.
