With the weather getting colder every week, it can be so hard to motivate yourself to exercise. It’s easier (and warmer!) to stay inside, watching TV and snacking on holiday treats.
Of course, this habit has its consequences. Between holiday meals and decreased physical activity, the pounds can pile on over the winter months. Even if you can manage to work that extra weight off before it’s time to hit the beach, it’s liable to happen the following winter as well, leading to a yo-yo weight fluctuation that aligns with the seasons every year. Besides, there’s a good chance some of those pounds won’t disappear once the warmer seasons come along, leading to a slow and steady weight gain every year. This can increase your risk for many health problems down the road, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint pain.
This year, let’s try to beat the winter slump and keep moving!
I’m not going to say it’s easy to stay active year-round, but it doesn’t have to seem impossible either. Let’s look at some of the common barriers to being active during the winter, and see what we can do about jumping those hurdles painlessly.
Barrier #1: It’s too cold to exercise outside.
Solution: Exercise inside instead! Whether this is at the gym, your work’s fitness center, your basement, or the 6’X6’ area in front of your TV, find a space where the weather can’t hold you back from a healthy lifestyle. Props to those of you who don’t mind the cold – or who were smart enough to live somewhere with mild winters!! Just be sure to mind that black ice!
Barrier #2: It’s too expensive to get a gym membership or indoor equipment for my home.
Solution: Try workout videos (borrow from a friend or the library; some movie rental stores even rent them for free to members) and calisthenics (aka crunches, pushups, and the like) – anything to get your heart pumping and muscles working. You could also try getting some resistance bands, which are very cheap, or try a second-hand sporting goods store for some other inexpensive equipment. I like picking up things like weights at rummage sales to save money. Exercise doesn’t have to be fancy or look pretty.
Barrier #3: It takes too much time.
Solution: Multi-task – stretch or lift weights during commercial breaks, clean the kitchen floor on your hands and knees, reorganize the cupboards or bookshelves, talk to a friend on the phone while you’re on the treadmill, or walk to the corner gas station for that gallon of milk. Remember, you don’t have to do a full 30-60 minutes all at once; breaking it down into smaller increments can make physical activity much more feasible within even the busiest of schedules.
Barrier #4: I simply don’t have the energy in this weather.
Solution: Once you start exercising, you will have more energy – really! Since it gets dark earlier in the winter, try closing the blinds, turning on indoor lights, and cranking up the radio to remind yourself it isn’t time to go to bed just yet. For those of you battling the winter blues, exercise can cheer you up as well, giving you more energy to get through your days without collapsing at the finish line.
Barrier #5: It just isn’t any fun.
Solution: Make exercise your new hobby, and grab some company. Try Zumba, Pilates, Jazzercise, yoga, Spinning, or other fitness classes at a local community center, or ask for a new set of weights as a holiday gift and set up a fitness corner in your living room. Having a friend or spouse join you in your fitness routine can motivate you to keep up with your workouts. There are plenty of video games that incorporate physical activity as well. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore – just be sure to switch up your routine and pick your favorite types of physical activity so you aren’t dragging your feet to your workout. Also, remember to bundle up and try some imaginative winter outings, like ice skating, skiing, sledding, or even just a brisk walk around the block to see everyone’s holiday decorations.
Yes, there may be barriers to staying active all year-round, but that’s just an invitation to get creative and persevere. You won’t regret the extra effort; your health is worth it.
What are some other barriers you have to winter workouts? Leave them in the comments and I’ll address them as well!
Thanks for reading!
Anna
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