Exercise! How to Get Out of Laziness in This Chilling Weather?

Well, winter is here and it is here to stay for a few months! While we all love the chilling weather and wrapping ourselves in blankies to enjoy hot comfort food, staying fit in this chilly weather can be a big big task for people who are as motivated as compared to their fitness freaky friends.

I mean, how bad could a few months of no exercise do to you? Sleeping in and staying indoors sounds so comfortable after all right? 

A recent study shows that a sedentary lifestyle (absence of movement or sitting in one place all day) is more damaging for health than smoking, diabetes or even health disease! So yes, staying inside and relaxing warmly can be very comfortable for the day but taking out at least an hour everyday for exercising can contribute to your well being in the long run. 

Did you know that our body burns more fat to keep itself warm during the winters! It is the most ideal time for a fired up workout as you will end up burning more calories. That could be motivation number 1! 

Here are a few more tips on how you can beat the chilly weather and gear up for an amazing workout session this winter:

• Pick something you really love doing:

It's no secret that if you’re forced to do something that you don’t enjoy, you might last less than a day! So pick an activity you’re inclined to do. It could be an early morning run, a full hour of stretching and relaxing yoga, strength training, a game of hockey/cricket/badminton or even some dancing and zumba! It could be anything! Make sure you enjoy it so you’re automatically motivated to practise it daily.

The bottom line is to keep the body warm and moving and not lazy and idle. 

• A workout partner 

We cannot stress this one enough. While it is fun to workout by yourself, having a workout buddy always has an upside! For the days when you have zero motivation, your workout partner can encourage you to step out or you could do the same for them, it's a win-win situation!

A workout partner can also assist you in exercises where you might need help. You can also try out buddy workout sessions where you perform exercises that require more than one person.  

For team games like cricket or hockey  it is always fun to hangout with your team after practice or go for a healthy breakfast in the chilling weather after a match! 

• Workout gear

Nobody likes looking dull and winters can really bring in seasonal dullness! Keep yourself up to date with warm but trendy workout outfits! Before you begin your fitness program, you can go shopping for gear which will in turn motivate you to workout in it! 

Buying workout accessories like fitness bands, or yoga blocks etc can also motivate you to try something new and challenge yourself in the chilly season. So set a goal, challenge yourself and get creative!

• A healthy diet

Now this can be tough. Speaking from personal experience, maintaining a proper diet has always been a problem for me and a lot of people I know! So for your information, you’re not alone! 

Eating right is important throughout the year but during winters- it is all the more important. Warm clothes can help with the windy atmosphere but keeping yourself healthy and warm from within is also crucial. 

Fueling your body with foods that can help you feel warm and raise your body temperature is important when it becomes cold and the temperature decreases. Eating foods that take a little more longer to digest often help maintain the body heat from within. These foods include bananas, oats, red meat, sweet potatoes etc. Including these in a healthy and nutritious diet can do the trick. Although it is difficult to stay away from winter comfort foods like a bowl of steaming noodles - you can try to indulge in it once in a while! 

• Start at home 

Stepping out in the chilling weather can be a mood killer and often stop you from exercising. So if you’re really in the mood to get fit this winter but want to stay clear of the ice cold winds rushing your face, you can start slow and you can start indoors!

Working out indoors isn’t a bad option either.All you need is some space and basic gear. 

You can buy a workout mat, some necessary equipment like dumbbells or resistance bands and begin basic workouts at home! You could also do a full fledged advanced workout as you get comfortable exercising indoors! 

Bottom line: 

In the winter, we frequently feel too tired to get out of bed and exercise. Make sure you have a plan for your workout that will keep you inspired. Choose something you can follow; and not something that you will get bored of easily. Changing your fitness programme with the seasons can not only keep you motivated but also guarantee that you stick with your daily workouts.

Watch videos online and read about the fitness journey of other people. This is also a game changer. Hearing success stories can often charge you to make your own! 

In addition to this, having a workout schedule in the winters  is also very beneficial to the rest of your day. Working out daily will keep you inspired to eat right and plan your day accordingly. You will find yourself finishing all your work on time and keeping your workout session clear of any interruptions! This could boost your overall productivity and health and you could transform to the best version of yourself if you are consistent and dedicated enough! 

To summarise it all- with discipline, consistency and self (and also some external) motivation you can be the fittest version of yourself- so eat, exercise, rest and repeat! 

I hope you have a good workout this winter!