As much as I want this winter weather to be over I am afraid to see a lot of the country still has a lot of winter left. Everyone gets geared up for a new health and fitness plan in January and then snow starts to fall and it starts to take a toll on those plans everyone has to get back in shape or improve their current fitness plan. School delays and cancellations, icy roads, freezing temperatures, and longer days; they all put a damper on our fitness plans.
Make this year different, don’t let the snow, cold temperatures and short days get in the way of your health and fitness goals. Winter proof your health and fitness plan by trying out the following tips:
1. Home equipment: No one says you need a full gym to complete good, sweaty workout. Although you can get in a good, sweaty workout with no equipment at all, just a few basic pieces of equipment could make take your workouts to the next level. I recommend a couple sets of dumbbells and a plyobox or step of some sort.
2. Youtube, Pinterest, Bloggers: The web provides a wide range of workouts you can do in your living room, on your stairs, or with your kids. I have several workouts right here on Muscles & Munchkins that can be done at home. Find a few favorites and save them so you have them as a backup plan for those “snowy, it is too cold, getting to the gym is impossible” days.
3. Beachbody Programs: I am not a Beachbody coach, but I can appreciate their at-home workout programs. They provide tough workouts for you at the comfort of your own home and all you have to do is press play. I have been hearing great things about the new Max30 as well as the T25 program and years ago I completed P90X and it was no joke. If you need help getting one of these programs, click here.
4. Accountability Partner: I can’t say it enough, “surround yourself with like-minded people.” (I even blogged about it here.) All your friends don’t have to have the same fitness goals as you do, but it is important to have a few friends who will hold you accountable for your health and fitness goals. A few weeks ago we had a snow day and the gym was not an option. My friend Krista and I texted each other a workout to try and both took pictures of ourselves doing it. We held each other accountable from our own homes.
5. Fitness Challenge: Join a fitness challenge! There is nothing like a little competition to hold you accountable and keep you working towards your goal. Between fitness and New Year’s J and I joined the No Gain Campaign at our gym and that was joust enough to keep us in check over the holidays. Now, I have the perfect challenge for you to join. Muscles & Munchkins is holding its first-ever Fitness Challenge beginning on February 1st and with the chance to win $100. Each day there will be a chance to earn points based on the type of workout you choose. At the end of 4 weeks the person with the most points will win $100! Want in on this fun challenge? Like my Facebook page and send me a message or email me.
Whatever your goals are, make sure you winter-proof your fitness plan so that the cold weather and inches of snow does not become your excuse to not increase that heart rate and get moving. Put these things in place, you’ll thank me come spring when it is time to finally get outside.
Your turn- tell me!
What is your winter weather backup plan?
How do you stay motivated during the cold, dreary winter?
It’s definitely difficult to stay motivated during these long winter months. I am set to do a 10K this coming weekend so that has certainly helped me get out there. I also try to schedule in workouts for each day of the week. If it’s in my schedule then I’m more likely to get it done. I agree with the rest of your ideas. Pinning!