Tips and Tricks for a Fit Winter

Winter is coming! Or at least that’s the rumor I’ve heard LOL. Our weather has been all over the place this fall. MCM was borderline hot. The other day it was cold and rainy. Sunday it’s supposed to be in the mid 70s again. I can’t keep up! But I know that it’s inevitable and the cold days will come.

1. Buy the appropriate gear – While not all of my workouts are going to be outside, I try to run outside as often as I can. I only stay inside if it’s icy or it’s super cold AND windy. One of the most important things for me is a decent wind breaking running jacket. If you have that, you can layer as many layers as you need under it to stay warm. That kid from the Christmas Story? Yeah, that’s me on the run in the winter.
2. Find some accountability- Make plans with friends or at least have a support group. Our local MRTT is great for that. I’m part of a monthly mileage challenge where you only compete with yourself, but the others are there to cheer you on and support you. There are plenty of online challenges going on as well, including two over the winter from ZOOMA. Not only is the program awesome, but the swag is killer. Use code ERIKA2017 for a discount. (Disclaimer: I’m an ambassador, but I don’t get any benefit from you signing up for the challenges.) 
3. Be flexible – Some days just aren’t going to work out the way you planned. This could be because of a freak weather event (hello, 23 inches of snow in 24 hours IN VIRGINIA!) or just because schedules get tight around the holidays. It’s ok if you have to move workouts around to accommodate that. Just try to have some options for more efficient workouts when life gets in the way.
4. Plan ahead – While there are some days that go sideways, most of the time if you look at your calendar a week in advance, you’ll find your “pinch points”. Maybe a kid has a concert or it’s your work holiday party or there’s a big project due. Know what days are going to be wall to wall busy and know what you plan to do (rest, shorter workout, get up earlier, etc.) Evaluate what you have at home and figure out in advance what your other options are.
5. Use the Internet – There are so many videos and exercise websites out there. Pinterest workouts are a dime a dozen. If you have access to the internet, you can find a workout. Add in a few apps that I’ve seen and you could probably do a different workout every day for a year. Click here for some of my favorite resources.

And a few tricks for you:

• Warm up inside by doing some jumping jacks or running up and down the stairs. This will help you dress appropriately for the temps instead of overdressing because it’s cold outside.
• Practice inefficiency. Don’t group tasks that require you to move. Spread them out so you get up more often. While short walks around your house are not the height of training, they are helpful to get you moving when your day is too busy for a real workout.
• Take advantage of free weeks and introductory classes around town to give you some options on crappy days. And hey, you just might find your next exercise love.

Sometimes it’s hard to get moving when the weather is cold and the days are shorter and the schedules are busier. But remember, every time you get off the couch and do something, it’s a win. Maybe not a big win, but baby steps are better than no steps at all.

I’m joining Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness  for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!