How to Stay Active When the Weather Gets Cold
11/16/2020 9:00:00 AM | The Well
It's that time of year. The trees are changing, the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer, and COLDER. As people living in Vermont we should be used to this by now, right? Yet, every year I think it's somehow going to be different and winters will miraculously become milder. That is simply not the case as much as I wish it were. So, that bears the question, how can we keep our motivation when winter sets in?
1. Keep to a Schedule
Making a schedule and sticking to it begins the process of forming a habit. For example, if you want to commit to taking one group fitness class per week, try to plan on going on the same days and times if possible so that you will have a better chance of holding yourself accountable. Personally, I take a spin class every Friday afternoon which has been automatically added to my mental and physical schedule. This prevents me from conveniently "forgetting" about my fitness classes and "accidentally" skipping them. The same goes for if you want to do at home workouts. Pick a few days/times during the week and commit to doing your workouts during those times.
2. Find a Friend
Being entirely responsible for holding yourself accountable is one HARD task. I suggest forcing (okay, not actually forcing. Just politely suggesting,) your roommate or friend works out with you too. Do some yoga in the living room every night, head over to a group fitness Zumba a few times per week, or even just walk around campus together. Having someone else who wants to keep active will help you tremendously.
3. Count Every Activity
Chances are once you start working out you will want to continue keeping that trend going. Don't forget that in the winter there are many other activities that can be considered workouts that you might not realize such as digging out your car after a snow storm. Don't cut yourself short! I promise you are probably doing a lot more physical activity than you think.
4. Sign-up for Group Fitness Classes
Like I mentioned earlier, committing yourself to a set time to workout and holding yourself accountable can be hard. Group fitness classes make it easy. No judgment environments with instructors who are there to support you is a great place to get that motivation mojo going. We offer a great variety of group fitness classes at UVM Campus Rec including spin/cycling, body combat, yoga, and more! As an added bonus, group fitness passes are being offered at a discounted rate through the end of the semester. Click here to make sure you have one for the rest of the semester! Already have a pass? Follow this link to sign-up for your next class!
5. Workout at Home
Bring the workout home to you. Staying active doesn't always have to mean trekking to the gym or running outside every day. Some of the best workouts can be done from the comfort of your home with just a yoga mat! There are great workout videos you can find on YouTube that fit every level and every interest. Find some that work for you and see if you can convince your roommate to do them with you. The buddy system works!
Now that you've read through this you've officially exchanged your excuses for some great tips instead. Don't let this cold weather get you down! Grab your buddy and get ready to keep active through the whole winter.
Written by: Sarah Horrigan, UVM
Date: November 16, 2020
1. Keep to a Schedule
Making a schedule and sticking to it begins the process of forming a habit. For example, if you want to commit to taking one group fitness class per week, try to plan on going on the same days and times if possible so that you will have a better chance of holding yourself accountable. Personally, I take a spin class every Friday afternoon which has been automatically added to my mental and physical schedule. This prevents me from conveniently "forgetting" about my fitness classes and "accidentally" skipping them. The same goes for if you want to do at home workouts. Pick a few days/times during the week and commit to doing your workouts during those times.
2. Find a Friend
Being entirely responsible for holding yourself accountable is one HARD task. I suggest forcing (okay, not actually forcing. Just politely suggesting,) your roommate or friend works out with you too. Do some yoga in the living room every night, head over to a group fitness Zumba a few times per week, or even just walk around campus together. Having someone else who wants to keep active will help you tremendously.
3. Count Every Activity
Chances are once you start working out you will want to continue keeping that trend going. Don't forget that in the winter there are many other activities that can be considered workouts that you might not realize such as digging out your car after a snow storm. Don't cut yourself short! I promise you are probably doing a lot more physical activity than you think.
4. Sign-up for Group Fitness Classes
Like I mentioned earlier, committing yourself to a set time to workout and holding yourself accountable can be hard. Group fitness classes make it easy. No judgment environments with instructors who are there to support you is a great place to get that motivation mojo going. We offer a great variety of group fitness classes at UVM Campus Rec including spin/cycling, body combat, yoga, and more! As an added bonus, group fitness passes are being offered at a discounted rate through the end of the semester. Click here to make sure you have one for the rest of the semester! Already have a pass? Follow this link to sign-up for your next class!
5. Workout at Home
Bring the workout home to you. Staying active doesn't always have to mean trekking to the gym or running outside every day. Some of the best workouts can be done from the comfort of your home with just a yoga mat! There are great workout videos you can find on YouTube that fit every level and every interest. Find some that work for you and see if you can convince your roommate to do them with you. The buddy system works!
Now that you've read through this you've officially exchanged your excuses for some great tips instead. Don't let this cold weather get you down! Grab your buddy and get ready to keep active through the whole winter.
Written by: Sarah Horrigan, UVM
Date: November 16, 2020
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