How to stay on track with your health and fitness this winter

BRR it’s getting cold outside. Although you may freeze, your motivation, diet and exercise regime doesn’t have to come to a standstill. Do you find yourself reaching for the hot chocolate in front of the fire instead of heading to the gym? Don’t worry here at Glenorchy Health and Fitness we’ve got you covered with some tips to make sure you stay on track. Swap those Ugg Boots for your sneakers – after all, summer bodies are made in winter.

Preparation is key – create a new routine to suit the change in season.

“I tell my clients always be organised but be even more organised in Winter,” Personal Trainer Andrew Fletcher said. During the chilly season comfort food is a lot more common, preparation is important as people get home when it’s dark and cold, making it a lot more tempting to grab an easier but unhealthy option for dinner. “Availability of fresh fruit and vegetables changes but that’s ok make sure you get the right amount of fiber in your diet, use frozen veggies if need be,” Fletcher said. What about those late night cravings? “Food preparation is important, prep sugar free, low fat treats you can easily grab as opposed to grabbing something pre-packaged and full of sugar because you don’t have anything else available,” he said.

It’s not just diet though; our exercise routine can also change this time of year. “I’ve been planning my workouts at the beginning of the week, if I have a plan I am more likely to stick to it. Some days I get up and it’s freezing cold and I try to talk myself out of going but then I think, just do it! Doing a little bit of cardio before my weights session soon warms me up,” Instructor and Food Coach Kendall Smith said.

Have a positive mindset (remember why you started).

Physically and mentally sometimes it’s easy to get into a slump this season – our routine can become a little repetitive, there’s less social gatherings and we tend to take less risks. Use this time to really focus on your goals for the rest of the year and make your health and fitness a priority. It may be cold in the morning but remember if you get up and move this won’t last long.

Change up your routine.

Usually stick to cardio equipment? Change it up and try a RPM, Pump or Punch class. Usually workout at home? Workout outdoors and enjoy the change in scenery or exercise at the gym. Change is key particularly in winter when we get a bit over our same-old routine. Introducing HIIT into your cardio workouts is another way to do this. Swap some of the long, endurance based workouts for intensity training. Hit the rower with 30 seconds of 100 percent effort, 30 seconds of 20 percent effort – for 10 minutes total. Do the same on the treadmill. Decrease the hours and increase the intensity – you’ll thank us later.

Get outdoors.

We’re not suggesting you substitute the gym workouts but think about adding some outdoor exercise this winter. When the temperatures drop the body burns more calories in its attempt to stay warm. From hiking, to bodyweight sessions at a park or even an outdoor circuit in your backyard – enjoy some fresh air with an even better view.

Try a challenge or boot camp.

What better way to become more motivated then starting a new challenge or a boot camp. Not only does it mean new ways to shock the body into change, but you’ll also have the support of other members and Instructors. We’ve got you the perfect option here at Glenorchy Health and Fitness with our new winter boot camp. Join Kendall and Lydia on Mondays at 10:30am, Tuesdays at 6:30pm, Thursdays at 4:00pm and Saturdays at 10:00am, starting Monday 18^th June.

If you want to enroll for our winter boot camp or find out more about our service contact us on 6272 4849 today. Hurry spots are limited!

OR visit us at 51 Chapel Street, Glenorchy.

How to stay on track with your health and fitness this winter