So winter is approaching and the last thing we want to do is exercise. However, wrapping yourself in a blanket is not the answer. Working out in the winter is a good way to prepare early for that glamorous summer body. Continue reading for ways to learn how to stay fit with winter approaching.
Buddy System
First thing's first... you're not going to do it, if you have to do it alone! Using the buddy system is really beneficial to staying healthy. You are more likely to make the effort to go to the gym or exercise remotely if you have someone to motivate and push you. Not only does it give you incentive, but it makes exercising fun as well. Working out goes from being a chore to a social event. You can try out different classes instead of just going to the gym. Some fun examples are Zumba or hot yoga classes. Even if you just meet your friends and go for a walk around the mall. Now you are walking and weight lifting at the same time! That is, if you purchase some items. By meeting friends and chatting, the time goes by much faster than it would if you were going to do it alone. It also keeps you from backing out of the plans. You are less likely to cancel the plans when you have someone relying on you to go. Exercising with a buddy can also increase healthy habits. If you both work together towards a common goal, it will be easily achieved because you are forcing each other to do better. Motivation works both ways!
Eat Better
You are definitely going to be tempted to eat loads of comfort food during these cold months, but try to have some willpower. You are supposed to have 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Many of us are guilty of not eating that many fruits or vegetables in a day. When you do come across that sugary craving, try substituting the junk food with a fruit such as oranges. A great idea to keep track of what you are eating is to create a food journal. With the holidays coming up, you don't want to gain any unnecessary weight. There are many winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede, and turnips that can be turned into soup for a better source of comfort food. With all the fun snow days coming up, try some new hobby searching. Cooking may be one of them. Creating or discovering new healthy recipes is great. This is the perfect time to experiment! You are stuck in the house while outside is covered in snow. You should also drink extra amounts of milk throughout the winter. Milk is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12. Since you are more likely to get a cold in the winter, it is important that you drink a little more.
Exercise
The same rules that apply to summer also apply to winter. Although during the winter it gets darker earlier and it's much colder, you still need to incorporate exercise into your daily life. The darkness can make 6pm feel like 10pm. Try carrying your gym bag with you and go from work straight to the gym. This way you avoid going home and getting too cozy. For those of you who normally enjoy working out outdoors, try transitioning to inside for the winter months. If you have to leave the warmth of your house for a run or jog, you are not going to do it. You can also warm up indoors before venturing outside. Your body will start to sweat and make you want to journey out into the cold for some fresh air. Another idea if you are trying to avoid the weather is to buy some inexpensive weights and a mat to keep in your house. This will give you the best of both worlds; a great workout in the comfort of your own home. Common household chores also count as workouts. Vacuuming and cleaning are exercises as well. As long as you're not sitting on the couch and eating junk food, anything can be considered activity. You can also take advantage of activities that can only be done in the winter such as skiing or snowboarding.
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-Franki
