Limited sunlight, cold temperatures and plentiful rain and snow can make it difficult for anyone to keep plugging away at their fitness goals during fall and winter. Unless you can migrate to Hawaii for the winter, you’ll need to try a few tricks to keep your motivation going through colder weather. Adding new routines to your usual program, investing in cute exercise clothes and roping in a friend to join your workouts are all great ways to keep up with your fitness once the summer sun flees.
Exercise outside when possible
As summer draws to a close, it’s all too easy to think that your outdoor exercise days are over until spring. However, exercising over and over on your treadmill will probably bore you to tears. On a sunny day, put on your warmest exercise clothes and head outside, even if you can only finish a short run or walk before you have to escape back indoors. The fresh air and the sunlight will invigorate you and give you a break from the monotony of indoor exercise.
Mix up your routine
When weather conditions force you to exercise inside, try to shake up your usual routine by adding new workouts to your daily menu. Watching videos online, for example, can introduce you to new indoor exercise routines, such as Pilates or kickboxing. You don’t have to stay in your house to exercise either; adding a gym membership or yoga classes to your monthly budget can give you indoor workout options that still get you out of the house.
Invest in more exercise gear
Wearing an old sweatshirt with food stains and threadbare holes won’t help you feel inspired to push your way through an intense workout, especially if you’re working out with friends or at a gym. Wearing exercise gear that you actually like can help you feel powerful and cute as you exercise. Fabletics, for example, offers a range of comfortable and stylish pieces to suit any taste. Aim to add a variety of new gear to your closet so that you can wear layers and adjust as the temperature changes outside.
Find a partner
Working with a partner to achieve your fitness goals is an excellent way to keep up your motivation when you haven’t seen blue sky in days. When your partner isn’t feeling motivated to go outside, you can lend a few words of encouragement. On days when it’s difficult to find someone to watch your children, you and your workout partner can take turns watching each other’s children.
Write down your goals
Setting firm goals can help you stay motivated when conditions are less than ideal. Write down specific goals that you can reach, such as attending your yoga classes twice a week. Setting fun rewards for each goal can also keep you motivated. Possible rewards could include new workout gear or a spa day. Check in with your goals regularly to see how you’re progressing.
It’s easy to feel disheartened when the summer sun fades away. However, don’t let drab skies drain away your enthusiasm for working out. Using a little bit of creativity and finding new sources of motivation can help you continue working towards a healthier you.
I always try to stay excited about working out. The key for me is never focusing on where I’m working out. I just focus on the act of working out. So rain or shine, I stay motivated.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Comfortable And Chic Shirts For Football Season When You Want To Eat And Still Look Fashionable
I am the same way- I just push through and bask in the accomplishment!
These are awesome and really motivating tips! I need to remember to write down my goals.. and partner up! thanks for the motivation!
Jeni Hawkins recently posted…Prime Photos with Alexa – Magic on Your Amazon Fire TV
A vision board has been key for me this year!
I think for me it’s finding a partner to stay motivated! I’m also more into exercising at the start of my day!
Lisa Favre recently posted…Shopping Local with Sour Bags and Totes
Me too! I wake up early to make sure it gets done!
I have a harder time exercising in the summer. Once the kids go back to school I can go back to my routine. They really mess me up.
Heather @ Kraus House Mom recently posted…My Issues With Brick and Mortar
I love when the kids join me… but I know your crew is older!
Right now I go to the gym, and I love going! I like what you say here to stay excited while you exercise, it is a great reminder for me and why I am doing what I am doing!
Jeanette recently posted…Printable School Snack Notes
Keep it up!
I just started back up at the gym. I do need to write down my goals on paper and start small.
Big goal, small steps. You got this!
YES! Love this list, especially writing down goals. I find that is what works best for me in most situations. Visualize it, see it on paper and share it with someone for accountability.
Goal writing- for sure!
This is such good advice. It’s much harder for me to be motivated to get to the gym in the winter. I definitely need to prepare for that and write down some goals. A partner would help a lot too!
Liz Mays recently posted…Tom’s of Maine: Why I Switched to a Natural Deodorant
I have to set reminders in extreme weather!
I struggle with keeping up my exercise in the winter. It’s just so grey and dreary.
Working out helps kick the dreary!
When it is nice outside, we exercise outside. When it isn’t, I hit the gym.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales Sails Into Homes Today!
BOOM!
This is my favorite time of year to exercise because it’s finally a bit cooler outside. I do miss the longer days though.
I feel this way, exactly! I run early, and its so hard waking up in the dark!
This is all great advice. I need to start writing down my goals. This will help me stay on target.
Tara recently posted…32 Amazing Thanksgiving/Holiday Sides
Truth!
thanks for these great motivating tips!!! I just started a path to a healthier lifestyle, so this is perfect timing.
Good luck to you!
Loving these tips so much. I need anything to keep me motivated these days!
Get it done!!!
I try to do working out in the morning when I Feel my best. I prefer the sun to be hiding in the clouds because it is SO hot here in Florida!!
I totally get that!
Very cool and creative. I love the ideas . I need to get to the gym myself
Sinisa recently posted…Mom Groups Provide A Lifeline For New Mothers
I hear that!
This is a huge struggle for me. I hate exercising and when it’s not nice out it’s even worst for me!!
Oh no! I love a good sweat!
These are really awesome advice! I love long walks it is a good day but these tips will help me get motivated when the sun is away.
Toni | Boulder Locavore recently posted…Cider Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions
I hope so!
When the weather gets colder or the sun is hiding behind the clouds, it can certainly be harder to feel motivated. These are great tips.
I totally agree!
To me, staying excited about working out is always the key. It helps me to focus more on my workout routine. Geat tips!
Awesome tips! Having a partner has been the key to get me exercising again. When I don’t want to go, she’s there. When she doesn’t want to go, I’m there. It’s been awesome. Today we ran 2 miles in a bit of a drizzle, because we won’t be the one to call off the run.