Baby, It’s Cold Outside: How To Stay Motivated During the Winter

As the winter season blankets (some of) the world in frosty temperatures and early darkness, it's all too tempting to hibernate under layers of blankets rather than brave the chill for a workout. The weather can be a true motivation killer unless you're a cold dip enthusiast. However, maintaining your fitness routine during the winter is crucial for both physical and mental well-being — especially if you struggle with SAD. The Holidays are also a season of indulgence. Pair overconsumption with a lack of motivation, and you could really set your progress back come January.

“Winter is the perfect time to work on your limiters. Most triathletes tend to focus on their favorite sport during this time, which is also their strongest sport. I use each winter as an opportunity to focus on my weaknesses.” —AJ Baucco

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Image from @bgsport on Instagram

Here are our top tips to keep you motivated to workout when it’s cold outside, ensuring you stay active and energized even when the days are short.

Review Your Goals

Sure, it can be easy to crush your goals when you have sunshine until 10 pm. Winter can present unique challenges, so we suggest looking at your goals and tailoring them to the season. How will you compensate for the lack of daylight and the cold? Whether it's aiming for a certain number of workouts per week or adding in something specific, like a Hot Yoga class to ensure you move despite the frosty weather, clear and achievable goals will provide you with direction and motivation. If you love your routine and can make it work for the winter, don't change a thing! Check in with your goals, celebrate your wins (no matter how big or small), and keep crushing. th them, celebrate your wins (no matter how big or small), and keep crushing.

Create a Winter-Ready Home Gym

Let’s face it: sometimes it’s too cold or the roads are too bad to venture outside. That’s when having a home gym can be a game-changer. Equip a designated space with workout essentials such as resistance bands, dumbbells, a yoga mat, and perhaps a stationary bike or treadmill. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy — just enticing enough to ensure you have NO excuses. Having a convenient and comfortable space to exercise eliminates weather-related challenges and makes it easier to stay committed to your fitness routine.

Mix Up Your Indoor Workouts

Monotony can be a motivation killer, so keep your indoor workouts interesting by mixing things up. Try new home workout videos, experiment with different types of exercises, or explore virtual classes. Variety not only challenges your body in different ways but also prevents boredom, making it more likely for you to stick with your winter workout routine. You want a balanced routine to maximize benefits for your body, so if you’re feeling bored and unmotivated this winter, it could be an excellent opportunity to mix things up and refresh your routine.

Dress for Success

Outdoor fitness can be a challenge. If you’re like us, then you hate starting cold but also don’t want to get too hot once you really start moving. When heading outdoors for a winter workout, the right clothing can make all the difference. Invest in high-quality, thermal activewear designed for cold weather to keep you warm and comfortable. — something like a CoreD tracksuit. Layering is essential so you can adjust your clothing as your body temperature fluctuates.

Find a Workout Buddy

We love any excuse for building a strong workout community (pun intended), and adding a workout buddy for the winter is no different! Winter workouts are more enjoyable when shared with a friend. Find someone to join you on your indoor or outdoor fitness adventures. Having a partner provides accountability, encouragement, and a social aspect to your workouts, making them more enjoyable and less of a solitary endeavor. As we suggest in our blog about surviving the season of indulgence, it can also be a great excuse to rope in some family members and get festive by signing up for something like a Jingle Run.

Embrace Winter Sports

Rather than viewing winter as a hindrance to your gym time, embrace it as an opportunity to explore new activities. Winter sports like touring, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or even a brisk winter hike can provide an exciting and challenging alternative to traditional workouts. Not only do these activities engage different muscle groups, but they also offer the chance to get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter landscapes. Picking up a new sport might even motivate you to shift your training to start strengthening the muscles you need for your latest winter obsession.

Optimize Natural Light Exposure

Going to and returning from work in the dark can be — we’ll say it — depressing. The winter months bring shorter days and reduced exposure to natural light, which can impact your mood and energy levels. If you’re a sunrise jogger or post-work workout-goer, you might want to maximize your exposure to daylight by scheduling outdoor workouts during daylight hours. If that's not possible, consider investing in a light therapy lamp for your indoor workouts. Exposure to bright light can help regulate your circadian rhythm and combat the winter blues; just ensure your lamp is 10,000 lumens minimum.

Set a Consistent Schedule

Once you’ve decided what works best for your winter workouts, stick to it! Establishing a consistent workout schedule can be a powerful motivator during the cold months. Plan your workouts for the same time each day. While it may be a tough adjustment at first, you'll hit those goals and feel more energized as the season progresses. Consistency builds habits, making it easier to overcome the initial resistance to exercise and turn it into a regular part of your routine.

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Bye-Bye Winter Blues, Hello Motivation

Staying motivated to work out during the winter requires a bit of focus, dedication, and shaking things up. By embracing the challenges of winter and incorporating these tips into your routine, you'll maintain your fitness, beat the season of indulgence, and experience the invigorating benefits of staying active in the colder months. So, bundle up, find your winter workout groove, and let the chill become a catalyst for a healthier, happier you.

“You’ve got to accept that it’s winter and work with it.” — Doug MacLean