Written by Andaç Baran
14 Nov 2016
Even for the fittest people out there, training during winters is a constant challenge, especially if you are living in a Nordic country (!). This is the time of year you may easily drop doing sports outdoor, create the excuses to sit-and-eat. I totally get it that the most people just don’t have the drive to answer that challenge, and opting out may sound charming, however you should stop creating excuses to avoid workout during winter.
However, I want to give a motivation while posting a list of tips to avoid a winter workout excuse so you continue to make progress if you have already started. On the other hand, if you are not a sporty guy and if you are “abusing” winter not to go outdoor, it is also a call for you to consider your routine and adapt a new habit during cold dark nights.
- EMBRACE THE COLD WEATHER
One of the best way to deal with cold is to embrace it! There is no need to create excuses because it is what it is supposed to be. You are in Sweden and you have to accept Swedish realities. It is a cold country but it is also a great country to be outside. Find the closest forest (I bet it is less than 5 minutes ways from the place you are now) and face with the cold! There are tons of equipment you can put on and later you can still feel the freedom of being outside!
- NO RUSH! TAKE THINGS SLOW AND STEADY
It is winter. There are no flowers cherishing, no rivers rapidly flowing, and no birds singing. Days are short and your mood is blue. There is o need to be in a rush, you have enough time to deal with workout. Do not forget to take a step at a time, fit yourself in the winter. Just remember that it is all about your health!
- BIG GOALS
It is very well known fact that every people have new year’s resolutions, however those shots mostly don’t go so far. The reason behind it is that those resolutions are somehow vague. Whether you want to lose weight, put up better numbers or get faster, set a reasonable goal and make it as specific as possible. Being concrete is essential to success.
- TWO IS BIGGER THAN ONE
If you have accountability issues and don’t trust yourself, get a training buddy! Making the commitment to train with someone, whether it’s a friend or personal trainer, often forces you to create an increased level of effort in your training. You will be pushing each other to achieve more and you’ll probably have a much better time getting fit than you’d have alone.
- CHANGE YOU DIET
It is not a surprise that people eat more during winters because they are inside, warm and relatively close to kitchen. There is nothing wrong with that but changing your diet would boost your metabolism. Especially when you are at home with loved ones, try to eat nuts rather than candies and marshmallows, you would notice the change immediately.
