May 6, 2024
Summer has certainly gone…Physio Cronulla
Daylight savings has definitely ended, and with the evenings growing darker and the mornings becoming crisper, it’s natural to spend less time outdoors as summer transitions into winter. As the days shorten and the temperature drops, our motivation to stay active can wane, making the cozy comfort of a warm blanket more tempting than a workout session at the gym. For those who prefer outdoor activities, the reduced daylight and colder weather might lessen the appeal of exercising outside.
However, the benefits of maintaining an exercise routine are clear and significant. Regular physical activity not only boosts your mood and reduces stress by triggering the release of ‘feel-good’ hormones, such as endorphins, but it also helps prevent chronic health conditions and maintains overall fitness. Additionally, exercise has been proven to aid those suffering from depression and contributes to a better night’s sleep. Therefore, continuing to visit the gym or engaging in outdoor exercise during cooler months is a worthwhile effort that pays dividends for your long-term health and well-being.
So, How Do You Stay Motivated to Exercise Throughout All Seasons?
Maintaining motivation for exercise throughout the year can be challenging, especially as the seasons change. Here are some strategies to help keep you moving, no matter the weather.
Choose Exercise You Enjoy
The key to consistent exercise is enjoyment. If you love what you do, it won’t feel like a chore. Whether it’s yoga, cycling, swimming, or dancing, picking activities that you look forward to makes it much easier to stick to a regular exercise routine.
Plan Exercise Dates with Friends
Exercising with friends is not only more enjoyable but also adds a layer of commitment to your routine. Schedule regular workout dates to keep each other motivated. Whether it’s a weekly tennis match or a daily morning walk, having a partner depends on you to show up can greatly boost your commitment.
Choose Exercise Which Is Convenient to You and Matches Your Lifestyle
Selecting a type of exercise that fits easily into your schedule and lifestyle ensures consistency. If you have a busy day, a gym near your office or a quick home workout could be ideal. Choosing convenience reduces the barriers to getting started and keeps you exercising regularly.
Build Incidental Activity into Your Lifestyle
Not all exercise has to be structured. Incorporate more incidental activities, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the local store rather than driving, or biking to work. These small changes can significantly increase your daily physical activity without requiring dedicated gym time.
Get Active While Doing Housework
Turn chores into a workout session. Put on some music and make your cleaning routine more dynamic by adding lunges when vacuuming or doing calf raises while washing dishes. This can help you stay active even when you’re ticking off your to-do list at home.
Variety
Keep your exercise routine fresh and exciting by mixing different types of workouts. This not only keeps boredom at bay but also challenges different muscle groups and improves overall fitness. Try new sports or classes to keep your enthusiasm high.
Set Realistic Exercise Goals
Setting achievable goals can help maintain your exercise motivation. Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you build strength and endurance. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small.
Have a Backup for Bad Weather
Don’t let bad weather derail your exercise plans. Have indoor alternatives ready, such as workout videos, indoor swimming, or a gym session. This ensures that rain or cold doesn’t interrupt your exercise routine, keeping you on track regardless of the weather.
When the weather allows, it’s great to get outside to exercise, see people and places and feel the fresh air on your skin. Heading down to your local park is an easy and affordable way to exercise outside, where you can take in the weather, changing seasons and meet people. Cronulla and the Sutherland shire have some amazing parks, ovals and beaches to get your daily exercise hit, even if it’s a little chilly!
Most of all- have fun with your exercise!
