How to Maintain Your Workout Regimen Through the Seasons
Mekhi Stribling
| 3 min read
Does your workout regimen change with the seasons?
For those who love exercising outside, it may be challenging to continue when the seasons change. Colder temperatures might freeze your motivation, making it considerably more difficult to drag yourself out in the elements.
However, consistency is key when it comes to maintaining your shape through every season. Resting or skipping too many days in a row could diminish any gains you’ve realized as a result of consistent effort. Skipping workouts can also start a self-defeating cycle, sapping your motivation and the longer you skip the harder it can be to start back up.
Here are a few tips to help you maintain consistency and motivation when the seasons change:
- Get a workout partner. Having someone who pushes you and motivates you can help you stay on track. Your partner will push you to stick to your routine and reach your health goals and you might be able to do the same for them.
- Visualize your goals. Envisioning the perfect shape you want to be in for that vacation you have planned or your annual trip to the beach with your family can serve as motivation. The summer body you want is earned in the fall and winter.
- Avoid using bad weather as an excuse. We all know that the sunny and warm days eventually come to an end, but that doesn’t mean your workouts need to. If it’s a rainy day outside, take your workout inside. If you own a treadmill, run the same distance you would run outside. Get some dumbbells and resistance bands to maintain your strength. Some people find that getting outside in the snow renews their appreciation for the season. Maybe snowshoes or skis could be just the thing to stay active when the snow flies.
- Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated throughout the change of seasons is very important for your routine. People reach for their water bottles less when it’s cold outside because they feel that the cool temperature is keeping their bodies cool. However, your body needs hydration all year-round, especially when you’re working out.
Your workout routine doesn’t have to change dramatically with the seasons. If you love working out outside and it’s part of your routine, try your best to continue to do so. The changing seasons can also be a good opportunity to mix up your routine with exercises that challenge you indoors as well.
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Photo Credit: Erik Przekop
