Fitness guru Laura Henshaw knows a thing or two about exercising year round. She shares her tips on how to keep up the good work even when the mercury plummets.
When the mornings get colder and the days become shorter our motivation can definitely take a hit.
There’s no questioning that it’s so much easier to move our bodies when it’s warm and bright outside. So, if you’re feeling a little sluggish and lacking motivation, rest assured you are not alone.
Here are some tips that help me get up and go on those colder mornings – when I could quite easily hit snooze another ten times!
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Tip 1: Get your workout clothes ready the night before
I love having them laid out on the chair in my room so that I don’t need to think or look for anything, I just get dressed and go!
Tip 2: Pre-plan your workout
If you’ve got a plan, you’re more likely to stick to it. When I’m half asleep, it’s difficult to choose which exercises to do, which is why I am so grateful for the Keep It Cleaner app. I don’t have to think, I just press play and get stuck in!
Tip 3: Write out your WHY
For me, I know that my mood often reflects the weather. With limited daylight and dreary days, I need my workouts to help me feel energised and boost my mood!
Tip 4: Book in your workouts
Just like you book time for a coffee with a friend or for a meeting at work, I do the same with my workouts. You wouldn’t cancel on that friend or work colleague so don’t cancel on yourself.
Doing this will also help you develop a routine for your workouts around your other commitments too.
Tip 5: Workout at a time that suits YOU and your work / life schedule
You might see people waking up at 5am to get their sweat on, but if that doesn’t work for you, don’t feel pressured to force it! Everyone’s routines are so different, for me, I know that exercising after work just won’t happen, so I’ll always workout in the morning.
Tip 6: Don’t wait for motivation to show up
More often than not my motivation arrives five minutes into the workout, once those endorphins start flowing! No one wakes up everyday and is excited to exercise, it’s all about developing a routine.
Tip 7: Be kind to yourself
Don’t feel down if you aren’t as active in winter. Try moving to suit your mood, if you’re feeling tired try a yoga class or go for a brisk walk around the block.
On days I feel tired, but still feel up to doing something, I will do one of our KIC Yoga flows at home in my pajamas. Once you get your body moving you’ll feel a lot better.
Remember to feel proud of yourself for taking the time to do something that has amazing benefits for both your body and mind!
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