According to research, as many as two thirds of women exercise less often in winter than usual. Nothing unusual, you might say. In reality, it is not easy to get out of a warm bed when it is still dark outside and the temperature is well below zero.
According to the research, the shorter day is one of the main reasons why women do not like to exercise during winter days. Other common reasons include cold temperatures and seasonal affective disorder. If you also belong to this group, either because your motivation drops during the gloomy weather or you have some other reason, read some tips that will help you get moving again.
Invest in good equipment
All too often we have reservations when hard-earned money needs to be spent for our own good. When it comes to children or pets, we quickly open our wallets, while buying our own wardrobe and accessories requires thorough consideration. Don't let that happen this time. This does not mean that you go over your "budget" when buying sports equipment, but we believe that within this budget you can find equipment that will encourage you to move. We therefore recommend that you invest money in a quality sports wardrobe that will protect you from the cold on winter days. Don't forget warm winter gloves, socks and a band that will warm your ears.
Make everyday movement a goal
No one is asking you to run ten kilometers and spend an hour in the cold right from the start. Experts advise that you start with shorter distances, as it will be easier to get ready to move. Sports psychotherapists are convinced that before training you should repeat to yourself that it is only a short run. After a kilometer or two, you might want to extend your running experience a little more.
Start with simple things
We can incorporate exercise into our everyday life by parking the car as far as possible from the entrance or choosing the stairs instead of the elevator. According to some data, you will burn twice as many calories with an activity that is otherwise not related to actual exercise than with exercise itself. If you don't feel like running in the winter months, but because of the current situation you don't want to attend indoor exercises, then you can go to the hill or take a short walk.
Set your goals
These should not be related to calories and weight loss, but rather set long-term goals for a healthy lifestyle. You can increase the number of steps taken weekly or increase the weight during weight training, maybe set a goal like participating in a marathon. All these are goals that will motivate you much more than losing 20 kilograms.
Find company
It is nothing new that it is much easier to train in pairs. Find a friend, perhaps a partner or family member, who is also looking for a way to exercise, and decide on a run or type of activity together.
Don't set unrealistic goals
Goals that are set too high (or too low) are the ones that often cause us to give up. However, they are often unrealistic goals of a short-term nature. Do you really think you'll be able to run 10 kilometers after an all-nighter? Don't be too hard on yourself, set real goals and look forward to the journey to their realization.
Choose lighted streets and take your phone with you
This advice is also suitable for all lovers of running. For the running route, choose roads and streets that are lit even after night falls. This way you will feel safer, because one of the main reasons why people do not choose to do physical activities in winter is safety. At night, we feel more vulnerable and have a worse view of our surroundings. Equip yourself with a headlamp, and always take your phone with you in case you need help.
