5 Tips to Keep fit in Winter

Summer bodies are made during winter, they say. Have they ever experienced the joy of watching an entire season of Game of Thrones in bed with hot chocolate in winter? Maybe not, but the truth is you can have both – a winter fitness regime and all the duvet and series time you need. The key to keeping fit in winter is to not stop exercising as soon as the temperature drops. Get into the habit of adjusting, not ending, your fitness routine as the seasons change. Try these 5 tips to help you keep fit during winter.

1. A little a day

A short session of exercise is better than no exercise at all. Winter is the time of year where we tend to hit the snooze button for as long as possible. However, those 30 minutes of light dozing won’t really give you more energy, but a quick yoga session, weight training session or jog will. Next time the alarm goes off try shooting out of bed and straight into a downward dog.

2. Sleep, exercise, work, repeat

It can take anywhere between 18 days to approximately two months to properly form a new habit, so the sooner you kick off your winter fitness routine, the better. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, running or indoor swimming, make it a set part of your day; just like going to work, eating, relaxing and sleeping. We recommend working out in the mornings, or even in your lunch break, because let’s be honest when your work day ends it’s dark and that glass of red wine is calling.

3. Make it a date

Are you really going to leave your best friend standing alone and freezing in her beanie and gloves while you lie snuggled in bed? No! If you and a group of friends or colleagues make a plan to meet for a brisk morning walk, run or yoga class then there’s more chance of it actually happening. You don’t want to be the no-show, do you?

4. Make a weekend out of it

South African winters are beautiful and in many parts of the country they are relatively mild and perfect for a weekend away in nature. If time and budget allow, plan a weekend away where you can hike, walk and even swim. A hike on a sunny day in the crisp winter air followed by a hearty home-cooked stew… what’s not to love? Another bonus about going away in winter is that you will find accommodation at discounted winter rates.

5. You are what you eat

Diet is an important aspect of keeping fit during winter and a healthy balanced diet will go a long way in helping you reach your winter fitness goals. Fill up with food that boosts energy and keeps you going during the day. Try making a roasted tomato soup, mushroom risotto, chicken curry, slow-cooked lamb shank and yummy potjies. Stock up on foods rich in immunity boosters like vitamin A, C, B6 and K, such as dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, potatoes, winter squash and nuts. Of course, the odd malva pudding is great for the soul too.

If you need some extra guidance, here’s a list of a few great exercises to add to your winter fitness routine. Do some research, chat to your gym or YouTube workout programmes for more help.

Squats
Lunges
Jumping jacks
Arm and shoulder weight lifting (choose appropriate weight – not too heavy)
Sit-ups
Push-ups
Bench press
Bent-over row/ deadlifts
Stretching