How to Stay Motivated to Excercise this December
Struggling to exercise right now? Are you looking for someone or something to help you stay motivated? If you’re having a hard time finding those car keys when it’s time to head to the gym, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone.
Getting yourself into the gym or heading out for a run on a cold dark morning takes a lot of guts! For most people, December is a time of indulgence. It’s the time of year where social expectations, particularly around food, are high and our learned behaviors, coupled with our innate preference for sweet foods, can drive a lot of our eating behavior. December also marks the beginning of the winter months that bring us less sunlight, colder temperatures and often, dampened moods. It’s no surprise that most of us feel more sluggish and less motivated this time of year.
If you want to maintain your health, there’s no such thing as a winter break from exercise. Having the strong desire and the willpower to accomplish something needs to be a permanent fixture not a temporary practice. That’s what determination is all about! In order to stay healthy both physically and psychologically, you need a consistent, year-round program. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Have The Right Kit
Central New York delivers its share of bad weather, but there is such a thing as good clothing choices. If you are planning on taking your workouts outdoors then you should invest in some good quality winter activewear. Thermal leggings, gloves, hats and earmuffs are just a few of the things that should be on your list. This will make outdoor training much more pleasurable and it will reduce the risk of catching a chill.
If you’re not the outdoorsy type this time of year, I feel you! However, investing in some new workout gear can really help you stay motivated in the gym, too.
Stick To The Plan
Having a workout plan that you can stick to will help keep you motivated, teach you new things, and make the whole endeavor of embarking on a fitness journey much easier. What will you do to prepare for the challenges that may make reaching your goals more difficult? What are your fitness goals for the next three months? How will you make sure that you stay on track? Make sure you look ahead!
Workout at Home
Cold weather doesn’t have to put a freeze on your indoor exercise program. Even though a gym provides a dedicated space, home workouts offer more flexibility and can be more effective and efficient. It’s also a great way to explore new methods of working out!
Show Up to Class
There are so many fun and interesting group fitness classes that are offered at the gym and most of them are included with your membership. The only thing you have to do is show up! Heading to a barre or yoga class definitely seems much more appealing than running along a cold road. It will also encourage you to make new friends or even meet old ones with similar fitness goals.
Make It Routine
Most of us love how busy the festive period is, but sometimes it can be overwhelming to have your routine completely overhauled by a hectic social calendar. Exercise helps to maintain a sense of routine and it will ensure you will have some much-needed time for yourself. Maintaining a regular workout routine can also help combat social burnout at Christmas by helping you find the balance you need in the midst of the holiday chaos.
Find a Workout Buddy
Staying motivated through these dark, cold months can be tough, so think about finding a workout buddy. You wouldn’t cancel on a friend, would you? Having a scheduled time to meet up with a workout companion gives you an incentive to do something active. You’ll also have someone to cheer you on, encourage you along the way and motivate you when the going gets tough. Who knows, it may even help change your perspective on working out.
Remember Why You Started
In those moments when you have to climb out of a warm, cozy bed and head into the cold, it can be difficult to remember how great you will feel afterwards. It may be even harder to imagine how you will feel three months from now. On the days that you want to throw in the towel remind yourself why you started and why reaching your fitness goals is so important.
Be Kind to Yourself
The emerging field of self-compassion research is proving that being kind to yourself is one of the best things you can do for your health. Practicing self-care for some people might look like taking a much-needed mental health day or finally scheduling that doctor’s appointment you postponed. For others it may be as simple as treating yourself to a cup of tea and a hot bath.
The Bottom Line
It’s hard for us all to stay active this time of year! You need to have the grit and the drive to keep pushing forward and working towards a goal, irrespective of the challenges and obstacles that may stand in your way.
Just remember that you’re not alone. If that’s not enough, let me remind you that exercise helps combat seasonal stress. It also encourages the release of endorphins, fights insomnia, increases self-confidence and helps clear the mind. Those are good enough reasons for me. Good luck to you and happy holidays!
