We all know that exercise is good for us, but actually doing it poses its own challenges, so we asked our mates at BigClothing4U to help us out with some tips for how to get motivated to workout in the winter.
After a busy day at work, it’s easy for us to feel like we don’t have the energy. Or to listen to the little voice inside our head that likes to pipe up and say “just do it tomorrow.”
But tomorrow turns into the next day…and then the next day and before you know it, you’re right back at the beginning again.
We’ve got some tips for how to get motivated to workout, even in the winter, when you’ll definitely need a motivation boost. These tips are great if you’re at the start of a workout journey or are struggling to keep going through one.
How to get motivated to workout in winter
Start off small
One of the main reasons we end up losing motivation and interest to workout is because the goals we’ve set for ourselves are big ones. It can overwhelm us and make us feel as if exercise is just not for us.
It’s great to aim for the sky but there’s no harm in slowing down a bit either.
Instead of planning workout routines for the whole week, take a step back and plan exercises for one or two days a week. Or instead of giving yourself the goal of an hour, break it down to 20-30 minutes. Even 10 minutes is better than nothing.
If you’re completely new to exercising then start off by incorporating a walk into your day. The fresh air will be good for your mood too.
Even in colder weather, there’s great activewear available to keep you comfortable during the winter months. If you’re someone who gets very warm when walking, we recommend a lightweight body warmer over the top of a comfy sweatshirt.
When you don’t feel like working out, put on your workout gear anyway.
This is a great hack that works every time. If you’ve just finished work and can’t be bothered to plunge into exercise, put on your workout clothes first. Trust us when we say that your brain will automatically tell you to workout because you’re dressed anyway, so you may as well.
Having activewear that makes us feel good and comfortable is extremely important, so treat yourself to some quality workout clothes.
The good news is that activewear is a popular style at the moment, so a lot of matching sets and joggers can double up as a comfy outfit when you’re not exercising.
You need to make sure that your activewear offers support, comfort and also plenty of room for movement. While joggers and tracksuit bottoms are the go-to exercising gear, don’t overlook the power of a comfortable pair of shorts. They’re especially great if you’re going to be breaking a sweat and don’t want to overheat.
Have fun
A great motivation hack is finding a workout routine that doesn’t actually feel like exercise. When you’re cleaning, turn the music up loud and set yourself a challenge to see how much you can get done during one song.
If you enjoy playing video games, invest in an interactive headset that’ll keep you active while you play. Anything that elevates your heart rate is exercise so this can include dancing or walking at a faster pace, too.
Lots of non-profit organisations host monthly challenges, so why not find one that gives you the target of walking a certain distance over a month or doing a certain exercise each day? You’ll be getting exercise in and raising money for a good cause. Absolute win-win.
You can always join group sports activities to get some friendly competition and help you lose weight. MAN v FAT Football is a great way to meet people with similar goals, have fun and exercise all at the same time.
Make sure your workout gear is suitable
You’re going to be moving around a lot while exercising and sometimes your old tracksuit just won’t cut it.
You need clothes you can be comfortable in for exercise otherwise you’re not going to want to wear them and ultimately you’ll end up putting off exercise altogether.
You don’t need to break the bank when buying new workout clothes. And you don’t need to worry about finding some that fit if you’re on the larger size either. There’s a great selection of plus size activewear out there that’s built for bigger bodies but also completely durable to work out in.
If you treat yourself to some workout clothes that you feel good in, you’re going to make the whole experience more enjoyable. Plus you can also get 15% off with the code MANVFAT at BigClothing4U.
Don’t be hard on yourself
We’re all human, so off days are inevitable. If you miss a day or two, forget the guilt. Beating yourself up for not exercising isn’t going to help. Remember: we can’t bully ourselves into feeling better.
Competition is healthy but comparing ourselves to others isn’t. There’s always going to be someone further along their fitness journey, but remind yourself that they were once where you are and that if you stay focused you’ll end up where they are.
Don’t see exercise as a punishment because you dislike your body, see working out as a way to treat yourself well and give your body the energy it needs to be healthy.
Find what works for you
Staying motivated can be harder during winter when the weather makes us just want to get cosy in front of the TV.
You don’t need to take the exercise outside but if you do, make sure you’ve got clothing that helps in all weather and protects you from the wind.
If you want to stay snug in the cold when you’re out for a walk, definitely get your hands on a big jacket. Being prepared for all weathers will stop the excuses when you see those grey clouds heading in and keep you on track during your journey.
You might find that switching up some of these tips works better for you, and we say go for it! The fact you’ve read this article means you’re thinking about getting healthier and that means you’re halfway there already.
We hope we’ve helped you get some motivation to workout this winter and have helped show you where to get some great quality workout clothes for your journey.
We’re sure you’re going to smash it.
