We are coming up on the shortest days of the year and if you are like me, it is harder to stay active in the winter months. It’s cold outside. It’s getting dark earlier. And let’s face it. We just want to curl up with a comfy blanket and veg out while eating our kids Halloween candy. Or is that just me? So how can we stay motivated to be active during the winter months?
Do at home workouts
We’re not always going to feel like leaving the house to go to the gym or go out in the cold for a run. That is where at home workouts will come to the rescue. I personally am a big fan of Beachbody On Demand. It’s like Netflix for Beachbody workouts. There are tons of programs to choose from with a wide range of difficulty. You don’t even have to have weights or a lot of space for some of the workouts.
Find an accountability partner (or several)
If you are in a slump this winter, it’s likely that some of your friends are too. Reach out to them and start an accountability group. This could be a Facebook group, a group text or an email chain. Just lift each other up and motivate each other. That’s what friends are for.
Get your kids involved in sports
What does getting your kids more active and into sports have to do with you? I don’t know about you all, but when my son is playing sports he likes to practice at home. Guess who he likes to practice with? That’s right. It’s me. If he’s playing baseball we are out in the yard scrimmaging or tossing ball. If he is playing basketball we’ll be shooting some hoops. Get involved in what your kids are doing. They will love it.
Hire a personal trainer
This isn’t the cheapest option, but it could be the option that pays off the most. I meet with my personal trainer almost every week. She pushes me to work a little harder, especially at the gym with her. And she gives me tips on things to work on in between training sessions. Having a personal trainer gives me the accountability and the push I need. Otherwise I might just be happy to do the bare minimum and be happy with that.
Find an indoor pool
I know swimming is probably the last thing on your mind when it’s cold outside. But it can be so much fun and boost your mood a little. Not to mention the kids will love it. Just go for a swim!
Walk around the mall
Now that I have a teenager I can say that this is one of her favorite place to be. She gets to go look around at all of her favorite stores and I get a little walk in and some people watching. It’s a win-win.
What are your plans for staying active this winter?
I really love the indoor pool suggestion here. We have one near us, I’ll have to look into it!
I definitely need an accountability partner for the winter !!!!! ❤️
Love your tips. I’m definitely a workout at home type of a person if the weather is not great. On the other hand, I have dogs that require at least 2 daily walks, so rain or shine, we need to be hitting the road.
Winter is such a tough time here. It feels like the cold weather just stretches on forever! It is good to be able to have ways to stay fit throughout the year.
These are really great ideas. I totally believe that having an accountability partner is really helpful. I am the type of person who values my commitment and thus, I have to stay true to my word.
I also think that finding an indoor pool is a great idea. Will try to check available of one nearby.
The indoor pool is my favorite idea but I live in the middle of nowhere. These are all excellent ideas.
Great tips. In the winter my family and I tend to hang out at the library or community center. They have a few things to do.
Sadly we don’t have a indoor pool nearby, but I just got a treadmill on Black Friday. Now to find a compatibility partner and I’m good to go! I love your suggestion on finding several.