Winter can be one of the most testing times of the year for our health and wellbeing, with motivation plummeting quicker than the temperature. Add in the temptation of mince pies and mulled wine and it’s no wonder our regular workouts and healthy habits can slip.
Don’t leave it until January to get back on the wagon. To help you through this cold, dark winter we have put together 5 top tips, so that you can maintain some balance during the festive period.
1. Embrace the cold
Take on activities you aren’t used to that will test you not only physically but mentally as well. It is a great time to get outdoors and embrace the fresh weather. If you can, why not plan a skiing trip or find somewhere to go hiking, rather than being cooped up inside the gym. It’s never too snowy to get outdoors, running in the snow is actually very difficult and can be an effective short, sharp session that will leave you feeling refreshed.
2. Layer up
This is a great opportunity to buy yourself some new training gear for your brisk morning walk, afternoon jog or post-gym layer. Not only will you be kept warm but knowing you’ve bought something new should encourage and motivate you to keep training as it becomes bitterly cold. We especially like the women’s outerwear range from LuluLemon, many of which are designed with thermoregulation properties keeping you warm even on the coldest of mornings.
3. Be Mindful of your diet
As we are submerged into winter everyone naturally wants to indulge. We aren’t trying to deny you of that, which is why Chef Louisa has been busy creating a range of warming winter dishes that are not only comforting but healthy too! Don’t believe us? Check our winter recipe collection with family favourite cottage pie to festive hazelnut crusted turkey. Better yet, our healthy recipe boxes can deliver all of the pre-portioned ingredients to your door, making eating healthily this winter that little bit easier. An added bonus is that our range is all gluten-free!
4. Build a new playlist
Whether you’re someone who likes to listen to the Rocky soundtrack imagining you are running through snow in Russia or you need something a bit more relaxed, a new playlist can give you that added motivation to embark on your new winter programme. The best music to workout to is between 120 and 140 bpm so bare that in mind when putting your playlist together. However much we all like Adele, slower songs may cause your pace to subconsciously drop, so save it for the post-exercise stretching session.
5. Tailor your training
Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year; it’s often the busiest too, so make sure you set yourself realistic training goals. This is especially true considering it now gets dark around 4pm meaning you may not be able to train for as long as you would at other times of the year. Don’t beat yourself, just accommodate for this by putting together some shorter sessions. Just remember the shorter the sessions are, the more intense they need to be.