How to stay motivated this winter

Staying motivated for winter workouts is a challenge for most people. It can be a cold, wet and dark time of the year. But if you can stay on track through winter, you’ll reap the rewards when the weather starts to turn for the better. Learn how to stay on track and stave off the winter blues.

Invest time and attention in your warmup

A good warm up is always essential, but it can take a little longer to do properly in winter. This just makes it even more important to invest some extra attention here, because warming up is your main defence against soreness and injury – which are the last things you want to deal with when your motivation is low. For more on stretching, check out our article on dynamic and static stretching.

Get a friend involved

Working out alone can be a welcome break in a busy day, but sometimes it’s nice to have company. If you’ve already got a willing fitness-fanatic of a friend to call on, then go for it, but don’t hesitate to reach out to your other friends, too. You might even find motivating a friend to work out is the best way to stay motivated yourself. Check out our article on motivating your friend to exercise with you.

Dress for the wet, the cold and the wind

Good quality gear takes on a whole new significance when the mercury drops into the single digits – particularly if you’re exercising outside. The cold often brings rain and wind with it, which makes it super important you’re wearing clothes that are up to the challenge.

Dress to stay warm and dry, and layer so you can shed clothes as you start to get into your workout. Light jackets and moisture-wicking exercise gear made from synthetics such as polyester, nylon and polypropylene work best. Avoid cotton, as it can trap sweat and moisture, making it harder to regulate your temperature.

Set goals and make winter its own project

There’s no better way to keep yourself on track than to have a goal to work towards. Embrace the colder months as its own project to conquer and try the ‘SMART’ approach to goal setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

This SMART goals approach is great for staying on track and helping you recognise important fitness milestones. If you put the work in, you’ll have something great to show for it by the time you’re ready for that spring clean of your workout.

Join a fitness class or group

Solo workouts offer flexibility, but groups and classes offer something you can do together. Welcome a bit of shared accountability with your choice of group class this winter. For you, this could mean anything from a running group or taking yoga classes, or even a Boxing class at Virgin Active – you can always try out a few different things to see what sticks.

Reach out for more tips on nutrition and fitness

Most people go through cycles in the health and fitness over the course of the year. The team at Virgin Active is here to help you find ways to reach your goals. We can help you escape the cold and move your workouts indoors with a free trial. There, you can experience a few group classes, or even tee up a session with a Personal Trainer! Reach out today to find out more.