by Michelle Bourgeois, Take 2 Personal Training –
Want to add some “Whoot Whoot” into your Winter Workouts? We know that exercise keeps us stronger and leaner, improves mood, reduces disease risk and increases energy levels so we can enjoy life. However, it can be tough to get moving when you’d rather be cozied up on the couch. Finding the inspiration to exercise is challenging in the colder, gloomy winter months. So how do we do it? Well, here are some tried and true strategies that work for me AND my clients:
1. Choose your time wisely. The key to a more enjoyable workout is knowing your peak energy periods and tapping into one of them. Whether you sing with the early birds or hoot with the night owls, get ‘er done when your energy levels are high.
2. Schedule it. Now that you know your prime exercise time, book your workouts into your calendar. Treat this time commitment as you would an important specialist’s appointment. Make the decision that your health and fitness are a priority and you are worth your own time.
3. Find a workout buddy. Partner up with a friend or family member and create your own accountability system. On the days you may feel less inclined to exercise, you can rely on your buddy to help motivate you to get to the gym or go for an awesome walk. Sweating alongside a friend can be a load of fun!
4. Register for a fitness program. Putting your money where your mouth is leads to a greater commitment to your fitness regime. Signing up for a fitness program is a great option if you are interested in trying something new and you enjoy the energy of a group atmosphere. The Saanich Peninsula offers an amazing array of winter friendly choices such as indoor pickle ball, Pilates, yoga, group strength training, boot camp, swimming and tennis.
5. Sign up for a Community Fitness Event: Register for a fitness-related event like a local 5K run/walk, cycling race, or tennis tournament. This will give you a goal to train towards and often has the added bonus of supporting a good cause in our community.
6. Hire a personal trainer. Having a fitness professional support and expertly guide and motivate you can be a fantastic option if you are new to training or returning to an exercise routine after some time away. Personal trainers provide support and encouragement to hold you accountable, while infusing your workouts with fresh, safe and inspiring movements to keep you evolving healthily towards your goals. If the cost of personal sessions is a deterrent, some studios and gyms offer group personal training which provide many of the benefits of private sessions at a fraction of the cost.
7. Set up a personal reward system. If you complete your scheduled weekly workouts for a month, reward yourself with a fitness-related treat like a new pair of running shoes, a massage, a pedicure, or some new exercise gear. An incentive-based fitness program really does keep the fire stoked and burning bright all winter long.
With spring just a few short months away, use your winter months wisely. Now is the time to build and maintain your fitness level so you can comfortably enjoy all the activities the warmer weather has to offer.
