Motivation during the colder months
Hi All!
Fall and winter are fast approaching (unless you are lucky enough to live in Australia!) That means that is is going to start to get colder and it will become darker sooner during the evening. I know I always find it hard to motivate myself to keep up with my exercise routine during this time. When the sun goes down I just want to stay in my house and read a book or go to bed early!
What have y'all found to be motivators to keep up with your exercising during this time?
For motivation I find having set up something ahead of time helps. Typically I find the early fall to be ok. Walks during the fall are often nice - less bugs and the temperature to be comfortable. I struggle more in the winter, when travelling can be dangerous at times and the cold snaps cause health problems.
@AffyAvo
@AffyAvo
I agree, Fall is not too bad. I also try to pre-book work outs. That means I have to pay even if I do not go! If it hits my wallet it is easier to make myself go!
@AffyAvo
I love fall walks too. And you're right, we have to take care in winter in order not to fall etc
@SMLHappy
Yes, I know what you mean as far as the cooler months, naps, shorter days I too am already thinking about that myself...... However, if you make a plan and "stick" with it, it should become a little easier. You can perhaps find your "Motivation" through Friends/workout Buddies (Grab a friend, or family member)...... taking a class at a local gym or community center: (often they are pay-per-class so you may find one that doesn't require a membership!)...... also,with the cooler months, changing leaves, and fall decorations, you may find that you LOVE taking walks outside (Even if only for 20-30 minutes)..... And of course, there is always the old "stand-by" of turning on a CD/DVD, Youtube, PopSugarFitness, or whatever you can find that motivates you to move more in your own home!....I do this during the day to keep moving when I'm not ready to go outside and workout just yet. And then in the evening when my husband gets home, we take a long walk outside through our neighborhood. Good Luck, I hope you find things that motivate you and work for you! 
@PoliteOcean
I HATE at home work outs. I have never been able to bring myself to do it. Walks are good. We live in a great area where we can walk around downtown and by the river. I have never felt like that is "working" out though. It is very good to de-stress though!
@SMLHappy
You'd be surprised at how much "Walking" actually can do for your body....So never under estimate a "good" walk... Try "Power walking" down by the places that you like to go. Have you ever calculated how many steps you are getting in a day? I have taken a break from Zumba at the moment, but have only been walking and swimming this summer. Remember, 10,000 steps a day is the goal.I have already gone down two sizes in just that time since doing so. I try to get in 15-20,000 steps a day. So "Walking" is exercising & it works 
@PoliteOcean I have been finding getting out to the gym is harder but I have been doing youtube videos while watching tv 2for1
or use a stationary pedal bike I bought cheaply during the news 30-60 min fly by and li in front of tv and do situps leg lifts or lift weights. Time flies without even noticing
@Dancersoul
Awesome Job! Its great that you find the time to do these "Simple" things to help you get and stay healthy. It doesn't have to be expensive or take up time. All you need is a "Will and a Way". Whether its an old piece of equipment you might have had lying around, or Youtube. Its great that YOU have found a way! Keep up the great work.
I listen to music while I am exercising.
@Doglover1991
Music is definitely a Great Motivator to help you push through the workout!
I really need help in this as it is getting darker sooner. I acnt get motivated to go to gym as much I had been going 5-6 days in summer. It started last month that I cant get motivated to go. I do home stuff but eating more becasue I m home
@Dancersoul
I am with you! It is so hard to get up and going when it is dark outside. Having friends who work out with me helps out a lot! Also, paying for a class is also a motivator. I hate missing my barre class when I know I have already paid for it.
@SMLHappy During the colder months I tend to want to workout more compared to summer. During the colder months I tend to eat certain food I wouldn't usually eat mainly due to the holidays which motivates me to go to the gym. :)
@sereneSunset97
HAHA. The food is a great motivator to exercise!
@SMLHappy I usually switch to indoor workouts :)
@SMLHappy
I love the winter season so for me the cold weather is a motivator itself to go outside and enjoy the nature which is quite opposite to the most people , but i live in a country where the average weather is very hot and the winters are mildly cold
I very much enjoy to go ice skating. I also walk around the mall (window shopping). I also find it fun to go swimming indoors.
I personally prefer working out in the cold than in the heat sometimes (though I too find it hard to leave the room when temperatures dip below fifty degrees), but I know that not all people have a similar preference as me.
One tip I have for enduring the winter is to wear layers. You can always peel them off as you progress with your workout!
I also like having a workout buddy who can keep me accountable, or at least motivated to complete my workout. When it's completely dark out, I find it more difficult to bring myself to leave my door, but when I know that someone out there is waiting for me, it is much easier and more exciting.
Adjusting your workout may also help, too. For example, if you are someone who normally jogs outside, you could perform an activity indoors where it's warmer (e.g. stationary cycling, elliptical training, rockclimbing). The more creative you are, the more fun the workout becomes and the easier it is to begin it!