It’s that time of the year again. The leaves start to turn colors, jackets are required, and goals to stay in shape fall to the wayside. But not you. Not this year. You are determined to keep the fitness routine that you perfected over the summer going strong through the next season. Keep reading to make sure you have everything you need to winter-proof your fitness regimen.
1. Mindset
First thing's first. Get your mind right. As we move away from the long days, hot temps, and all the motivation to eat light meals and stay outside, it can be a lot more difficult to stay motivated during the colder months. Unless you can spend your winter in L.A. or on an island somewhere, this season will be more about mind than muscle.
While you can’t control the weather, bouts of seasonal depression, or other obstacles that come with the new season, you can control your mindset. You are always in control of your thoughts, the people around you, and the responsibilities and commitments you choose to take on (for the most part).
So, before you do anything else, make a commitment to correct your mindset, and do it often. Some ways to shift your mindset to be more positive and focused are through meditation, therapy sessions, journaling, and practicing gratitude. When your mind is “right,” very little can throw you off your game, and even if it does, you can bounce back with ease.
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2. Your Workout Gear
Now that your head is in the right place, it’s time to turn your attention to the rest of your body with your workout gear. If your fitness routine involves leaving the house, you’ll want to make a few adjustments to your wardrobe to be ready for the colder temps.
Even if you’re just leaving the house to get to the gym, you should be sure that your body will be warm before and after your workout (because cold and sweaty is a horrible combination). To keep your workouts on track as the temps drop, invest in more layers. You’ll probably want to bundle up from head to toe on your way to the gym, but don’t forget that the gym will have the heat on so you’ll need a cool layer underneath it all. An easy investment is a puffy vest to wear over a long-sleeve shirt and a tank top underneath.
Your post-workout attire is important as well. You’ll need something to cover your head, especially if you sweat a lot. Obviously, during the cold months, staying dry is key. Even if you don’t shower at the gym, try to keep a dry set of clothes to make your commute home or to the office more comfortable (and healthier).
For those outdoor-lovers, make layers your best friend. Running coaches say that you should dress as though it’s 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature because your body will heat up over time. While this sounds great during your run, chances are you’ll feel freaking frigid when you first head out for your run or hike. So, dress in layers that you can shed and tie around your waist, or toss into a pocket as your body heats up.
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Some of our favorite winter running wear includes fleece-lined tights that are also sweat-wicking to keep you dry and warm. You might also want to purchase a lightweight puffer coat or vest will keep you toasty, but light enough to rock around your waist without weighing you down. And of course, don’t forget to cover your ears and/or head with a headband or lightweight hat. And for cold and windy days, a neck warmer is a true lifesaver. This can be worn as a scarf, but then pulled up over your mouth and nose to keep you from running back home.
3. Your Workout Schedule
Even after you’ve found the best time of day to work out, things can get a little tricky with the change of seasons. The days are shorter, and for some, when the sun goes down, so does your motivation to leave the house. So, it’s important to create a game plan and stick with it.
If you have to get in your workouts in the morning, don’t let the snooze button become your crutch. Try moving your alarm clock out of reach so you have to get out of the bed, and immediately turn on some light so the darkness doesn’t lull you back into the bed. Have your gear packed and ready so you can take all the obstacles out of your morning.
And if you don’t want to face the cold at all, you can always get your sweat on right in the house. Check out workouts on BlackDoctor.org and YouTube for endless routines for your workout at home.
Now, who’s ready to face the winter?
