Sticking to an exercise routine in winter can be difficult. A few tips can help you stick to your exercise routine during the season.
The holidays, like vacations, should serve as a break from the stress of your usual routine. Too often, people see the winter months as a time when they can overindulge in their favorite foods and skip physical activity at the same time, forgetting the fact that healthy eating and movement are at the core of what keeps them healthy and vibrant in their daily lives.
If you've been hitting the gym every day after work or taking a walk after dropping your kids off at school, how do you continue to keep up your physical activity regimen when your daily routine changes?
Find something you enjoy
This is the first rule of any sustainable exercise regime. If working out seems like just another chore on your huge to-do list, you'll find it hard to stick with it in the long run. Instead, be creative in finding types of physical activity that give you pleasure.
If 45 minutes on the equipment at the gym seems like a chore (not to mention the commute there and back), take your workout outside or take a walk around the neighborhood. Love the mountains? Try skiing.
Dance with your loved ones to holiday music, choose an indoor sport, or join a virtual fitness class. All of these activities are considered physical activity, and even a little exercise adds up. Don't be afraid to do something completely different from your usual physical activity. The variety will serve as a "break" without representing an actual interruption in activity.
Short and sweet
Quick workouts are a great way to stay active and maintain your results. Circuit training with body weight can improve both muscle and cardiovascular health. If you have resistance bands or a treadmill, these are the ideal pieces of equipment to use for home workouts. You can perform a simple dumbbell workout at home rather than driving to the gym and back.
Make it convenient
Try to make exercise as convenient as possible during the times when you are extremely busy. The best way to stick to an exercise regime is to make sure it fits your lifestyle and priorities, while being flexible enough to change the regime if your daily routine is dynamic.
The circuit workouts described above can be performed almost anywhere, and a simple walk around the neighborhood can provide a much-needed break. To make things more social, invite friends or family members to join you. Of course, if you have time to go to the gym and do a full workout or meet with your personal trainer, that's great. Convenience is key this season. Finding ways to get moving that don't require equipment and don't increase stress will help you stay consistent.
Prioritize activity
Most of us deal with a myriad of responsibilities every day, so it's vital to treat physical activity as an important part of your day. Incorporate it into your schedule as you would a work meeting or a doctor's appointment. Let others know when you will be busy exercising and how they can help you find time for it. The support of those people in your daily life - from family members to co-workers - is an essential element of success. | BGNES
