If you’re currently patting yourself on the back because you’ve been smashing your exercise goals then, well, we don’t want to bring you down, but do want to remind you of something: it’s summer! It’s easy to go for an early morning run when the rising sun is basking you in glorious Vitamin D. The true test of your exercise credentials comes after summer has passed, when the weather isn’t quite so spectacular. Indeed, it’s not just the weather that’s an issue. There’s the motivation matter, too. Why put your body through its paces when you won’t be hitting the beach for nine months or so? Well, staying fit and healthy is its own reward, remember that! Below, we’re going to run through some useful tips for carrying on your exercise regime even when it’s not quite as sunny outside.
Lose the Fear
OK, the summer sun has disappeared, and it has been replaced by chilly winds and rain. You’ve basically resigned yourself to spending the next few months indoors. But why is this? As a species, you’d think it was completely natural that we shun colder temperatures, but this isn’t the case. Indeed, there’s a lot of enjoyment that can come from heading into the outdoors for a morning run through the rain. It’s like taking a cold shower. It can feel less than enjoyable while you’re doing, but you’ll notice that you feel even better than normal once it’s over and done with. Give it a try!
Get the Right Gear
However, you won’t want to head into the outdoors with your normal summer gear on, especially as the temperatures begin to dip even further. By the time winter arrives, you’ll hate going outdoors in shorts and t-shirts; and indeed, it might even be dangerous. Your muscles can’t be ice cold as you run! Fortunately, there’s no shortage of high-end gear to regulate your temperature. Invest in the best, and you’ll be able to handle the initial chill like a champ, without overheating once your body has fully warmed up. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to upgrade your running gear, then the impending season change might just be it!
In the Home
But who says that you necessarily need to go outdoors? You don’t. Plus, there will be days when the weather really isn’t appropriate to be outside. There are plenty of exercises you can do at home. If you have a spare room, get some gym equipment, and work up a sweat. If you don’t have the space for that, you can buy a resistance band and stay toned. And don’t think the cold weather has to keep you out of the pool if you have one, either. Invest in the best pool heater, and you’ll be able to do lengths even when there’s snow on the ground. Going from hot to freezing temperatures is good for your circulation and immune system, too!
Joining the Gym
Fortunately, there’s one space that’ll always provide a reprieve from the cold. The gym! If you’ve been putting off joining a gym, then the fall season might just be the best opportunity. It’s tempting to take a break from exercise when it’s dark outside, but if you’re not working up a sweat, then you’re more likely to suffer from conditions like SAD. If you’ve paid for a gym membership, then you’ll have that extra incentive to get up off the couch and put your body through its paces.
A Seasonal Sport
If you’re looking to keep fit and have fun at the same time, then there’s good news: the cold months bring with them plenty of activities that you can only do during winter. Take cross-country skiing for example. It’s super enjoyable to head through a snow-covered forest, and it’s one of the best activities you can do – it uses so many of your muscles! Snowshoeing is similar, too.
Be Wary of Comfort
Now, we know that you don’t want to spend too much time in the outdoors when it’s raining, but it is worth thinking about your comfort levels. In some cases, you might want to make comfort a secondary concern below your health! For example, if you’re driving everywhere just because of the rain, then you might inadvertently spend more time sat down than is good for you. It might not be the most comfortable option, but it’s worthwhile treating the weather as a test of endurance and walking when possible. You’ll be thankful for it come the springtime!
Image courtesy of Pexels.
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