It’s all good and well to have the motivation to exercise when the weather is pleasant. It isn’t, after all, a challenge to go for a scenic bike ride when the sun is shining. But it’s a fact that the weather isn’t always so nice. For large chunks of the year, you have to put up with chilly temperatures and rainfall. In this blog, we’re going to look at some tried and tested methods on how to stay in shape despite the weather.
So when the weather is not so nice, what do you do? You’ll have two options. One is to put your exercising on hold but of course, this is not an option. If you do, then you’ll be badly out of shape when spring rolls around and your health will be at risk. The other option is to carry on working up a sweat. But that’s not always so inviting — and in some cases, it might not be possible if most of your regular exercise takes place outside. Follow these tips, and you’ll always have that lean and fit look, both in January and in August!
Indoor Training
One of the best ways how to stay in shape despite the weather is by training indoors. Not everyone loves going to the gym. However, it does provide a pretty useful service in that it allows you to train hard without being outside or having to worry about the weather.
You may still prefer to do other activities outside, but since you won’t be able to always rely on the world to provide a de facto outdoor gym, it’s a good idea to get yourself a membership. If you really can’t face the prospect of running on a machine at the gym, then join one that offers classes. If you go to a couple each week, then you’ll remain in pretty great shape. Plus, gyms have all the equipment needed for resistance training – which is so needed!
At Home Training
Not that you always have to go to the gym to work up a sweat. There are plenty of activities that you can do at home, too. Some of these require equipment, but not all do. On the equipment front, look at investing in things like a pull-up bar, some dumbbells, and resistance bands, which can help you stay in shape during the winter.
On the no-equipment front, look at classes online. There are plenty of excellent workout tutorials you can make the most of, even if you only have thirty minutes or so. The popularity of these videos soared during the first stages of the coronavirus pandemic, so there’ll surely be a video that helps you to target whichever aspect of your body you want to improve.
Activity Alternatives
Another way how to stay in shape despite the weather is to practice different sports. If you want to ski during the winter, then it’s a good idea to cycle during the summer, since that’ll help to keep your knees strong. If you don’t, then you’ll need to build up that muscle again — and that can be a little tricky if you’re trying to do so as you’re zipping down a slope.
But what if your main activity takes place outdoors during the summer, not in the winter? In that case, you’ll need to find an activity that helps replicate the actions and movements you do during the summer. It’ll help to keep the muscles you need strong. If you’re a climber, for instance, then you can look at hangboard training. By the time you’re back climbing outdoors, you’ll have the finger and tendon strength you need to succeed.
Everyday Movements
Even with all the will in the world, it’s likely that you won’t work out quite as much as you do during the summer months. That’s why it’s a good idea to look at building movement into your everyday life. This doesn’t have to be overly complicated. There are surprising ways to get exercise and burn more calories. For instance, even things like taking the stairs rather than the elevator can be beneficial to your health. You’ll find that thinking in this way also brings an additional benefit, too — it’ll help to keep you warm when the weather is cold.
Winter Sports
Practicing winter sports is how to stay in shape despite the weather. People seem to think that winter sports are difficult to access, but the chances are that you live somewhere close to an area where you can engage in a wide range of cold-weather activities despite the season.
This will be easier if you live in a snowy environment since they provide the best workouts and can be a lot of fun, too. Two worth considering are snowshoeing — which is like cold-weather hiking — and cross-country skiing. In fact, cross-country skiing is one of the best activities you can do, since you’ll use more or less every muscle in your body.
Invest in Clothing
If you want to continue working out outdoors, then look at investing in some warm clothing. Workout clothing technology has come a long way in recent years, to the point where you can stay warm while running even if it’s super cold.
Sunrise Alarms
It’s not just the warm weather that makes working out in summer more enjoyable. The days are also extremely long, so it’s easier to fit in some exercise. In the winter, it’s a little more difficult since the days are shorter. And because there’s not much sunlight, many wake up later and go to bed earlier. One way to get around this issue is to invest in a sunrise alarm. This is an alarm clock that simulates the sunrise, so you wake up feeling refreshed. If you can get up early, then you’ll have plenty of time to work up a sweat before you head to the office.
Find External Reinforcement
Sometimes, it’s not that there’s no motivation to carry on training when it’s cold. It’s that the motivation is fickle. If you’re going to be in the best shape possible, then you need to work out regularly, not just every now and again. So it’s always valuable to look at ways to help you stay consistent with exercise.
You can also find external reinforcement, such as a workout partner. It’s much easier to consistently visit the gym (or do anything else) when you have to be accountable for someone else. So think about who else may be trying to stay in shape in the fall and beyond, and consider making a commitment to help each other. Or you can even hire a coach. This investment definitely involves commitment and accountability. However, coaches can help advance your goals tenfold.
Now you know how to stay in shape despite the weather. You can work out at the gym or at home, find alternative activities according to the season, stay active daily, use sunrise alarms, and find external reinforcement. Implementing these tips will help you look your best and feel great all year long.
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
