Winter Exercise Tips

As winter wraps its cool embrace around the region, you might be tempted to hibernate indoors, leaving their exercise routine to gather dust. However, winter is no excuse to let your fitness goals slide. In fact, with the right approach, it can be a fantastic opportunity to invigorate your workout regimen and enjoy the unique benefits of exercising in cooler temperatures. In this blog post, we'll explore how to make the most of winter workouts, from embracing outdoor activities to staying safe and motivated despite the chill.

Some Tips:

1.     Dress for success: Get your winter workout gear ready the night before and lay it out beside your bed for a quick start. Or go the extra mile and tuck your exercise clothes under the covers to keep them warm and cozy. Don't forget a scarf to shield your nose and mouth from the chilly air and avoid that tight chest feeling.

2.     Stay safe and seen: Since it's darker in the mornings, opt for bright or reflective clothing and bring a torch if you're heading out before daylight breaks.

3.     Warm up indoors: Beat the cold by opting for indoor facilities like gyms or group training centres. Not only will you stay warm, but the group setting can also boost your motivation and create a sense of community.

4.     Give yourself a thorough warm-up: Take extra time to warm up before diving into intense activities to prevent injury from cold muscles and joints.

5.     Set winter goals: Keep yourself motivated by setting specific and achievable goals for the colder months, whether it's committing to a certain number of workouts per week or signing up for a fun run at the end of winter.

6.     Hydrate, even if you're not sweating: Just because you're not sweating as much doesn't mean you're not losing fluids. Remember to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts to stay hydrated.

7.     Embrace the advantages of winter: Enjoy exercising without the drawbacks of hot weather, such as heat and humidity. Take advantage of the crisp air and quieter outdoor spaces for a refreshing workout experience

Written By Lachlan McKenzie (Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Accredited Exercise Scientist with Healthy Lifestyles Australia)