By Molly Householder-Smeltzer, CPT and Wellness Director
The transition from summer to fall and fall to winter has begun, and for those of us in the middle of Illinois, it is never easy. The weather turns colder, there are more hours of darkness than daylight, and it is easy to go into hibernation mode. While you transition from sunglasses to snow goggles, and experience all that goes along with the change of seasons, it can be hard to stay motivated to be healthy. We want to eat heavier foods and move around a lot less, which can lead to digestive issues. We want to get home from work and cozy up under a blanket on the couch instead of hitting the gym, but exercise can actually help clear your winter blues and help you to be in better shape once the weather warms back up. Here are four tips to keep you motivated through these dark and cold months:
1. Try new things. If you love going outside to exercise, use the change of weather as a time to try a new gym or fitness class. Check out new ways to exercise at home with workout videos. There are thousands of ways to stay in shape, and your body responds positively from variations in your workout routine.
2. Change your workout time. If you are used to exercising after work, try to set that alarm an hour earlier in the morning and start the day with a good workout. At the end of the day, when it is already dark and cold, you are more likely to opt out of your workout in exchange for your sweatpants and a spot on the couch. Try to get your workout in first thing, but if you are more likely to hit the snooze button in the morning than workout, incorporate exercise during your day through a possible lunch hour walk or quick trip to the gym, along with a variety of exercises you can do right at your desk.
3. Be proactive. Let’s be honest, you can’t depend on willpower or just “winging it” when it comes to diet and exercise, especially in the winter. Make a daily or weekly plan for eating and exercising. Scheduling an appointment in a group exercise class, taking your gym bag to work, keeping problematic foods out of the house, and planning healthy meals are a few ways to structure your world to increase the chances of good eating and exercise decisions.
4. Have support. It is easy to talk yourself out of a healthy food choice or an evening workout, so find a friend, co-worker, or even a personal trainer to hold you accountable or workout with you. Set goals together to exercise or stay on track with healthy eating habits, and use each other for support when those cold temperatures or holiday meals start to sway you in the wrong direction.
As the worst of the winter season is just around the corner, don’t let your health and fitness goals disappear with the warm temperatures. Try new things, change workouts if you need to, be proactive, and find support to keep you healthy and happy through the colder seasons; and keep burning those calories — even if they seem frozen.
Westminster Village, a continuing care retirement community, is dedicated to providing an environment for all retirement lifestyles, including independent living, licensed assisted living, and skilled nursing care. For more information, please contact Westminster Village: 309- 663-6474, or info@westminstervillageinc.com.
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