Staying Active (Now The Dark Nights Are Here)

The dark mornings have arrived, accompanied by the dark evenings and what once was a beautiful time of day to go out for a run, you’re fighting the urge to just snuggle up and hibernate.

As tempting as this may seem, it’s not going to be good for your heart and lungs nor your energy if you give in to the forces of winter.  If the summer months are anything to go by, spring will be here before you know it, so let’s keep ourselves active this winter by resisting the bear like behaviour and be more squirrel!

So how can you look past the fridge temperatures for the next few months and get yourself up and moving?  All you need is a little creativity and a back up plan, if obstacles get in your way.

Here’s 6 tips for you:

Ice Skating: There are plenty open this time of year and best of all, the whole family can enjoy it!

Pedal Power:  Can you swap your car journey for 2 wheels? What routine do you have in place already where you could cycle instead of driving?

Early Morning Workout:  Just 15 minutes exercise in the morning is enough to boost your energy and release endorphins.  Studies show working out first thing in the morning improves your physical and mental energy.  Plus there’s no chance of rescheduling it or work getting in the way as you’ll have already completed it.

Take A Walk: Rather than sitting at your desk or in the canteen for lunch, could you take a 30 minute walk instead?  if you have a dog, could you increase the intensity by adding short sprints into your route?

Stretch: Whilst you’re watching TV or chilling on the sofa, try to stretch the muscles that are tight (normally at the front of the body.) This is very beneficial after a long day driving or sat at a desk for long periods.

Schedule Your Workouts:  In your diary like you would book appointments.  Try to get the balance right between training sessions and enjoying your cosy evenings in.  This way you won’t feel like you’re missing out and the balance is right.

If you keep the above 6 tips in mind this winter, you will have more energy, less illnesses and be ready to tackle January in no time!