As the temperatures dip, it seems that most people just want to hide away until the sun returns. But when this happens, you might find that your waistline is expanding more than you like. While it may seem easier and even more reasonable to be less active during the colder months, there are ways to maintain your fitness and your figure even as the hours of darkness outnumber the daylight.

Staying Indoors Can Be More Fun

While many people retreat to their televisions during the winter months, this doesn’t have to mean you are less active. What many people do not realise is that taking your exercise routine indoors can actually be more fun, especially when you’re accustomed to an outdoor routine. We all need change from time to time, after all. You can begin to shift your exercise routine to include your favourite programmes, for example, allowing you to not only watch television or movies, but also to stay in shape.

For example, you might begin a programme in which you do certain exercises during the commercial breaks. This way, you’re able to fit in exercise when you might normally be sitting to returning to the kitchen for more food.


Also, since you will be limited in terms of the exercises you can do, the winter is the perfect time to try new things – exercise DVDs, indoor classes, a gym, etc. In changing up your exercise routine, you may find that it’s actually easier to keep fit and that you are looking forward to staying indoors.

No Excuses Anymore

During the warmer months, you might have taken the opportunity to rest on days when the weather was less than ideal. But now that your exercise routine is indoors, you do not have that option. Since the environment is not controlled, you can exercise any time, day or night, no matter what the weather is like out of doors. While it’s true that you don’t need to exercise every day in order to see results, you might find yourself more likely to exercise more often since your weather excuses are no longer feasible.

In addition, you have the ability to workout at any time of the day, as you are no longer relying on the amount of sunlight you experience. In doing so, you will be able to fit in workouts when it’s convenient for you and for your schedule.

Warming Up When You Go Outside

Of course, there are some exercise enthusiasts who will not want to simply stay inside when the weather gets cooler. But these colder temperatures will require a new approach to clothing and to preparation. Here are the layers you will want to wear when it’s cold outside.

• Base layer – A thin layer which can wick away moisture should be the layer which is closest to your skin. This way, you can keep sweat from cooling you down too much.
• Vest layer – A vest will help to keep your core warm and toasty, without restricting your arm movement.
• Thin coat/fleece jacket – If you need more warmth, think about a think jacket for your workouts. Since you will warm up during your workout, this layer helps to keep you comfortable during the initial cold period without overheating you when your body is moving.
• Weather resistant coat – If it’s raining or snowing, you will want an additional layer to protect you from the elements.
• Proper shoes – Ideally, waterproof footwear will help to keep your feet from getting frostbitten, but in lieu of that recommendation, wearing a thick pair of socks will help keep you dry.
• Proper gloves and hat – Gloves and hats are recommended when the temperatures dip to help prevent heat loss as these areas are where your body cools first.

The layered approach is recommended as this allows you to remove layers as you become warmer. Keep in mind that you should dress as though it’s about 10 degrees warmer than it actually is. This way, you will not be too hot or become dehydrated during your workout.

The colder temperatures might have you feeling as though you want to hibernate, but when you workout during the winter, you will be ready for the summer all the more easily. Just because your body might be hidden under heavier layers of clothing doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay in shape throughout the year, after all.

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