WAYS TO STAY MOTIVATED TO WORK OUT DURING THE WINTER
1. Stop hitting the snooze button.
If you plan on working out in the morning, set one alarm—not several— and get up immediately. Put your phone or alarm across the room from you, so you have no choice but to get out of bed to shut it off. The first morning may be challenging, but over time, you'll fall into a consistent, easy wake-up routine—just wash your face, brush your teeth, dress for the weather, and push yourself to get going.
2. Establish a consistent schedule.
Schedule your workouts in your planner, and set digital reminders. Use a good old-fashioned calendar, and mark each day you exercise with a check—seeing what you've accomplished will help keep you on track. If you plan a workout date with a friend, you'll be less likely to bail.
3. But don't be afraid to mix up your routines.
Once your workout routine gets boring, try something different. Changing your workouts will not only keep you interested, but it will also help you continue evolving and improving.
4. Eat clean.
If you fall into winter hibernation mode, it's easy to overdo it at meals. But exceeding your personal eating limits will only make your workout harder. Prepare healthy meals to give yourself energy and stamina at the gym. A fridge stocked with fruits and veggies helps me eat clean, which motivates me to workout every day.
5. Train for seasonal sports.
Embrace seasonal activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. Using the winter months to program sport-specific workouts for my clients can be motivating to work towards a specific goal. Doing so can also help you stay fit and injury-free during the season with strength and stability training. The winter is also a great time to prepare for spring and summer sports with balance and agility training—so when the warm weather hits, you'll be ready to crush your sport.
6. Sign up for a race.
Whether it's a race, competition, or workshop, find an upcoming fitness event that will force you to get moving. Ideally, have the date set for March, so you have to continue to train through the winter. If you've already paid for an event, you're more likely to stick to your training schedule.
7. Find your "why."
Determine what drives you to work out. Is it health-related? Do you want to set an example for your children? Are you looking to connect with other like-minded individuals? It may take a little digging, but there's a unique and personal reason deep in your gut why you chose to lace up your sneaks and work out today—find that reason.
Via: Maggie Finn Ryan