Consistency with Colder Weather.

The changing of the seasons can be confusing for our body and our mindset! One day we are bundled up with heavy coats, gloves, and stocking caps. The next, we have a long sleeve shirt and slides on our feet. Our homes are cozy warm and it's harder to get our bum out of the house. It's a battle of our mind to get to the gym or outside for a walk to stay active!

Let's look at a handful of questions that might help you gain consistency with colder weather.

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What changes do you make to your fitness routine when it’s too cold to exercise outside?

My primary routine is working out at the gym with outdoor walks mixed into my weekly schedule. My routine will not have a major upset besides the extra movement that I would get from my walks. That being said, with the colder weather, I will be more mindful of the steps that I am getting each day at the gym or hoping on a stationary bike for a 15-20 minutes to finish out my session. It's also a great time to have a conversation with a gym buddy!

If your routine is primarily outdoor walking then, optioning for a long walk through a grocery store would be a great alternative to getting out of the house and getting those steps in. I know nothing can't quite replace the refreshing peace from the outdoors but it could be an opportunity to try a new way of moving your body: yoga, pilates, aerobics, strength training, etc.

For my runner friends, if the thought of running on the treadmill is steadily crushing your soul, this might be the season to focus on cross training and improving muscle imbalances. Because we all know that when it is nice weather, you're going to be prancing around like a racehorse ready to take off with no time for preventative or restorative exercises. It's just go time!

How do you overcome the temptation to skip workouts and stay cozy at home?

The Bundle Up Mentality! The temperature WILL change and it may have variances of 15-25 degrees on any given day. Adopting the Bundle Up Mentality will help you plan for the tundra and peel off for the "winter Bahamas." You will be warm for the colder temps and feel relieved when you have to shed layers. And being prepared is a good mental win for the cold days.

Another strategy is to write out consistency goals for the month. Skipping a workout once a week does not seem like much but that was four opportunities or almost 34% gone for the month, basing attendance on 3 days/week. I am not a fan of the cold either so having a community to workout with helps bridge the gap on the days I don't want to get out of the house. Group class, workout buddies, or an accountability chat with friends is another option.

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What are your favorite indoor exercises to keep your body engaged during winter months?

Again, my focus is in a gym setting already but the extra activity that I get during the warm months is taking a walk outside. For part of the winter months, I engage in a volleyball league and hope to incorporate the ever-growing sport of Pickleball!

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There are options to keep your body moving and maintain Consistency with Colder Weather!

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