Image by: Michael Krigsman
By: George Lamb
So winter is coming and the impending weather is already starting to send shivers down your spine. The nice, summer jogs to the gym are a thing of the past and now you’re likely to encounter icy sidewalks, piles of snow and the water-slush crap that is the result of melted, filthy snow.
Yea, it sounds bad, but are you really planning on using the hackneyed excuse that ‘its too cold outside to workout’? If you’re even thinking about reciting that line, than that in itself shows that you’re in dire need of more motivation to exercise.
Motivation to exercise. What gives us motivation to do anything? It’s the potential rewards that may come of whatever task (particularly a difficult one) that you know needs to be done. What makes you get up and go to work every day? Money–which is the key motivator behind you driving miles to a place you don’t want to be and trudging through 8 hours of hard labor.
What makes you peel yourself from the couch to spend 30 minutes in the kitchen assembling a meal? Satisfying your hunger cravings. Despite the fact that exercise takes a little longer to reap the benefits from than the aforementioned, it is necessary if you seek to improve your livelihood. Its up to you to decide if gaining a few pounds of muscle or a shedding dozen pounds of fat is worth climbing a few glaciers to achieve.
#1) Dress the Part
Good, you managed to pull yourself up from the comfort of the couch to run a few miles around your local park. That’s all fine and dandy, but the only problem is you don’t have any warm workout clothes! Yes it is theoretically possible to run a few miles in snow pants and a winter coat, but when Under Armor and Nike have created so much technologically designed gear, why not utilize what they have to offer?
Under Armor’s cold gear apparel is indeed pricey, ranging between $25 and $80 for even just a shirt, but consider the purchase to be a worthy investment into your active and healthy future.
#2) Find a Workout Partner
It may be tough to find a person who is as nearly as committed as you when it comes to exercise (I hope), but if you’re fortunate enough to cross paths with a person as determined as you, take complete advantage. These people are few and far between. The gym may be virtually empty during the winter months and you may feel alone, but the select few you do see there consistently are the ones you want to initiate conversation with. Don’t be afraid to approach someone briefly during their workout and ask a question or introduce yourself.
Most people will appreciate a little company besides the horrid music blaring from the gyms loud speakers. Ask them about their routine, how long they’ve been working out, or give them a compliment about how amazing their triceps look (Don’t be creepy about it, though). If you’re lucky then maybe they’ll return the favor.
#3) Warm Up!
Jumping Jacks! Burpees! Shadow boxing!
Time to get the blood pumping! Come on people, lets go!
Yea I know, a bit too over the top huh? Well if you plan on surviving in the gym this winter, you’re going to have to be even more enthusiastic than me about these actions. To get yourself in the mood to work out, you’re going to have to essentially pump yourself up. If you know it’s time to leave home and your still watching that marathon of family guy, get up and do some jumping jacks.
Get the blood pumping. What good will this do? Well, besides providing the nearest person around you with a few laughs, it will prepare your body and mind for activity. If you don’t believe something as simple as this works, then go ahead and give it a shot. Punch the air…
#4) Work With a Trainer
Make a vow to yourself that you’re going to shed a certain amount of body fat before spring hits and submit to a regular workout routine. A personal trainer will be able to help you out with this, big time, as they will be able to appropriately analyze your physique and provide you with an effective routine. Not only will he be able to give you professional advice on what you need to do to achieve your fitness goals, but they will also simulate the idea of having a workout buddy in you haven’t already found one.
The only difference is the trainer will be taking your hard earned cash in exchange for a few bench press spots. So if you’re hard up for cash, my advice would be to con someone who knows a lot about fitness into becoming your best friend.
#5) Invest In Home Equipment
If you’re too cold or lazy to make consistent trips to the health club then you may want to consider turning your apartment into a home gym. It doesn’t necessarily have to be filled with every Hammer Strength machine in existence, but possibly a few resistance bands, some dumbbells, or perhaps even a stair climber or elliptical machine. Don’t go crazy, though, as your girlfriend might find it a bit strange that a treadmill is residing calmly in her bathroom.
Winter is heading your way, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid it. Jump into it head first and come out on the other side stronger fitter and more accomplished! If you have already done that, then share with us how you overcame the colder months, we’d love to hear!