Winter can, for some, be a challenging time to keep on track with their health and fitness goals. This is mainly due to the cold weather and the temptations to stay in bed and tuck into those comfort foods. However, by implementing a few key strategies, you can stay on track and continue making progress. In this article, we will look at the top three ways to stay focused on your health and fitness during the colder months to ensure that by Spring, you’re feeling in tip top shape ready for the warmer weather.
- Fuel and Nourish Your Body with Healthy Eating: It goes without saying, eating well is an essential component of any health and fitness journey, and it becomes even more crucial during the winter season. The cold weather and potential for comfort indulgences can tempt us to make unhealthy food choices. However, by prioritizing nutritious foods, you can fuel your body properly and support your fitness goals. Be sure to track these in your MyVision app so you know you’re hitting your targets. Include a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. These foods provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to boost your immune system and sustain your energy levels. Be mindful of portion sizes and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Practice moderation by indulging in your favourite foods in moderation while still focusing on maintaining a balanced diet overall.
- Stay Consistent with Training: Consistency is the name of the game to achieving and maintaining health and fitness goals throughout the year, including during winter. It's essential to establish a routine that incorporates regular physical activity and stick to it, despite the challenges that colder weather may present. Complete a Goal Session with your trainer at the start of Winter to give you a focus for the 3 months and use your MyVision app to track your daily exercise and set yourself a goal to not miss a day. See if you can achieve some form of daily exercise each day throughout winter. Make use of Studio Access, participate in one of our AMAZING Group Training Sessions, or drop in to complete a session by yourself, the studio is here to be used! Plan your workouts in advance and schedule them like any other important appointment, like going to the dentist, hairdressers, or the doctors. If you treat your health and fitness as a non-negotiable commitment, you're more likely to follow through.
- Set Realistic Goals and Stay Motivated: Setting realistic goals is essential for staying on track with your health and fitness during winter. As mentioned, book in a Goal Session with your Trainer and consider the potential barriers and challenges that the winter brings, such as colder weather and holiday commitments if you’re travelling. Adjust your expectations accordingly and focus on small, attainable goals that you can accomplish. Keep your motivation up by finding an accountability buddy to attend the studio with and share your goals with your friends and your family. Celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small, together with your trainer track your progress and make any adjustments needed. A great way to ensure that your motivation stays high is to remind yourself of the reasons WHY you started in the first place.
To conclude, staying on track with health and fitness during winter only requires dedication and discipline and is achievable. By focusing on the importance of eating well, maintaining consistency with training, and setting realistic goals, you can navigate the challenges of the season and continue making progress towards a healthier and fitter you. Remember, winter comes around every year, keep committed, keep consistent.