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5 (and a Half) Tips to Stay Motivated in Winter
Stay motivated to exercise during the cold winter months.
The season of big feasts and sweet treats is upon us and we understand that it can be hard to stay focussed on those fitness goals that you made for yourself way back at the beginning of the year. So, we asked the 2020 KINESYS Champions, who are great at staying active and outdoors no matter the weather, for their top tips on how they stay motivated through the cooler weather. Then we picked the Top 5 and a half tips to share with you.
Tip 1 – Set Short-Term, Achievable Fitness Goals
It’s easy enough to set a yearly target or a New Year resolution, however monthly or weekly goals give us more short-term satisfaction when we achieve them. Perhaps you would like to burn 1000 calories in a week or run 50 kilometres in a month. Set bited-sized achievable goals for yourself and knock them out of the park. Each time you do, you will feel more accomplished, confident and excited to make your next mark.
Most Champions have personal goals they set out to achieve.
Heidi Guthrie - Certified Trainer, Spartan Racer, KINeSYS Champion
Tip 2 – Get Up, Warm Up and Go
Warm up your body as soon as you wake up. Get your gear ready the night before so that you can get up and make a move. Wear lots of layers to keep you warm and comfortable while you work out. Make exercise part of your morning routine so it becomes a habit to start your day feeling great!
The majority of Champions said layering is the make or break.
Amelia O'Reilly - Trail Guide, Runner, KINeSYS Champion
TIP 3 – DO WHAT YOU LOVE
Find an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing. It won’t feel like work if you’re having fun. Diversify and try new things until something brings you so much joy that you simply can’t refuse, no matter how cold it is outside. Then get excited and go do it!
All Champions agreed that you have to find your fun.
Lynne Chui - Lover of running and yoga and KINeSYS Champion
TIP 4 – HAVE A PLAN 'A' AND A PLAN 'B'
We’ve all used the bad weather excuse to sleep in and get out of exercise. Make an awesome plan B activity that you can do anywhere so that if Plan A doesn’t work out, you always have something to fall back on.
Some Champions bring their workout indoors when the weather is bad.
TIP 5 – BRAVE IT WITH A BUDDY
Find a friend or few that will hold you accountable and go training in the snowy weather with you. Not only will they help you be more committed to your workout routine, but studies show that you have more fun training with a friend.
Most Champions say that exercising with friends is their #1 source of motivation.
Melissa Urie - Ultra Endurance Triathlete, First Female Uberman,
TIP 5 1/2 – CALL IN THE COACH
You guessed it - Tip 5 and a Half is really Tip 6. This title sounded less boring, more interesting, and after a long, long week, we were ready for a little levity.
Having a hard time finding friends that keep you consistent? It’s time to put your money where your mouth is and call a coach. Their job is told you accountable and motivate you to achieve your peak performance. They can help you create fun fitness routine’s that make you get up and go so that you can accomplish your goals this winter.
MEET A KINESYS CHAMPION - ARNE
There is no shortage of winter activities for Arne. He loves to train hard in his natural surroundings and is an avid paddle boarder, even during the winter months! Arne goes out paddle boarding every day that he’s not out cross-country skiing, skating and snowboarding.
Arne’s favourite product is the SPF 30 Clear Zinc because it feels great on his skin even when he’s in the water.
Arne continues to use sunscreen to protect his skin during the winter. Here’s why.
