Stay motivated: 5 winter workout hacks

This content is sponsored by Fitness First.

Staying motivated when the weather is cold can prove tough for even the most committed gym junkies. We look at five ways to stay on track when the air is still chilly.

It goes without saying that when the temperature starts to drop, so too does our enthusiasm for anything that involves crawling out from under the blanket. While it can be hard to stick to your usual routine, the end of a season is a great time to reassess goals you’ve set and find new ways to get moving.

To help AIA Vitality members get their workout mojo back, we look at five easy motivation hacks that could help get you back into the swing of things. Fitness First trainer and AIA Vitality member Tom Farrell weighs in with his insider tips.

There’s nothing like a grey, rainy day to dampen your workout mood. The good news is, you can still work up a sweat from the comfort of your home if it’s too gloomy outside.

“A quick YouTube search will reveal thousands of workout videos you can follow along with at home,” says Tom. “You’ll find heaps of simple workouts that can be done with zero equipment and little-to-no space. The only limitation is your imagination.”

While it can be easy to convince yourself to skip a workout, it’s much harder to cancel on a friend. If you’re struggling to motivate yourself, find a workout buddy who won’t let you off the hook. You can hold one another accountable and it’ll give you an extra incentive to stay active.

Tom says that if friends and family members aren’t immediately willing to commit to a fitness crusade, a personal trainer might be right for the role. “As a trainer, my clients are always as accountable to me as I am to them. We’re a great resource in keeping you motivated.”

Never tried boxing? Yoga pique your interest? A new class open up at your gym? Get creative with your workouts during the colder months. Shaking things up will help you find extra motivation, keep you excited about exercise, and potentially earn you AIA Vitality points while you're at it.

Often the hardest part of exercising is deciding to do it. So, take the choice out of it. Whatever your goal is – hitting a PB, running a marathon or boosting your energy – write them down and create a plan to get there. Then, put each workout in your calendar and stick to them like you would an important meeting or appointment.

Tom stresses that setting realistic goals – and tweaking them as you go – is crucial to success when it comes to your wellbeing. “Goals are so important for success. But I recommend setting a series of smaller goals that will help you achieve your end state.”

Sometimes all you need to get motivated is a specific goal or event to look forward to. A tropical holiday can be the shining light at the end of a cold, dark tunnel and the perfect reason to whip yourself into shape. A holiday and some fresh motivation – what are you waiting for?

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.