When the temperature drops during winter months, it’s easy to say goodbye to the runners and hello to a warm dressing gown. Finding the motivation to maintain a fitness routine can be difficult, but staying active is important for your physical health, as well as your mental wellbeing.
There are a number of ways to keep motivated and moving this winter.
- Start a walking group with friends
Sometimes staying active can be made easier with a friend by your side. Commit to meeting at a central point a few times each week. Try to change locations frequently to keep your walk interesting. - Take up a sport
- Partner or team sports, such as basketball, netball, badminton or soccer, are a great way to ramp up your fitness in the winter. And by joining a team, you are making a commitment to other people, and yourself, for the season.
- Incidental exercise
Walk or cycle everywhere you are able to. If the walk seems too far on foot, get off the tram, train or bus a few stops earlier and walk a portion of the distance. - Yoga or pilates at home
Sometimes, half the battle of exercising during winter is having to leave the warmth of your house. You can buy a yoga and pilates DVD, or download a session. Roll out a mat on your lounge room floor, select your preferred workout and start stretching. - Indoor swimming
Swimming is a great form of exercise of gentle exercise that helps to alleviate stress and build strength. The added benefit is that swimming isn’t weather-dependent, so you can do it any time of the year.
