When winter blows in..

...It can be all too easy to pull the blankets over your head and go back to sleep. Terrible weather can take the wind out of anyone’s sails when it comes to maintaining a fit and active lifestyle. But despite the chill, we all still need to find ways to keep moving.

Following on from our previous blog on WHY it is so important to keep our bodies active during the colder months when the thought of hibernating is all too tempting, here are some of my tops tips and ideas to do just that:

Join a gym – If you find yourself making excuses to expose yourself to the cold and unpredictable elements, perhaps winter is a great time to join a gym. There are often a great range of exercise classes and it could be the perfect time to reignite your passion for movement by exploring new activities, and shocking your body with different styles of training.
Other great indoor exercise activities include boxing classes, Pilates, yoga, even rock climbing!
Use YouTube to source some quick 15 minute exercise videos. These could range from aerobics, Pilates, HIIT style training – all in the comfort of your home!
If you prefer the sun beaming down when outside, make the most of it on the weekends and as soon as the sun pokes through the gloomy clouds, chuck on those trainers and get outdoors – a 20 minute power walk is all you need. Plus you are getting some much needed Vitamin D.
Layer up – if you love being outdoors but struggle with the cold, look for a pair of long thermals and a winter down jacket.
Make it fun – Exercise doesn’t always have to be deliberate or of high intensity. Grocery shopping and cleaning the house are also great, gentle forms of activity.
Maximise your incidental exercise – e.g. take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to chat to your colleague rather than email, frequent trips to the water cooler and therefore bathroom.

For more information on getting more movement into your day, check out our blog Sit Less, Move More.