The cold weather, rain and freezing wind can be a dampener on your motivation to get fit during winter. But it turns out there are some great benefits to giving your health a kick-start during the cooler months.
Fitness guru and founder of 12WBT, Michelle Bridges, shares why this time of year is ideal for giving your body a boost.
Summer Bodies Are Built In Winter
The old adage stands because it's true. You build the fit healthy body you deserve in the winter months and then enjoy all that health and fitness in the sun, when you can get out and about and make the most of the amazing part of the world in which we live! If you struggle to get moving in the cooler weather, try joining a fitness program to keep you on schedule and get you summer ready, right on time.
Winter Workouts Warm You Up
Why wail at home about how freezing cold you are, and spend a fortune on heating bills when you could whip through a warming winter workout that will fire up not only your blood circulation but also your metabolism! Your engine will be burning beautifully and no excess winter weight will lay itself down on your bones.
Working Out In Winter Wards Off Illness
When you train well, you keep your body in tip top shape so it can more easily withstand the winter chills, colds and coughs that seem to sideline so many of the community when the weather is cold outside. Work out indoors so you aren't subject to extreme changes in temperature, or if you are training outside, get inside into the warm as soon as you finish sweating through your session, so you keep your body temperature from tanking.
Winter Training Slays SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder, which appears to be caused by the lack of sunlight in the colder months, can have a really negative impact on sufferers. Your first move should be to take yourself to your health professional to discuss what you're experiencing. Additionally, symptoms may be eased by getting outside into the sun, and gentle exercise. Even if it's cold, rug up warm and get out into the sunlight for a power walk with a friend. Take up tai chi, yoga or chi gong to help your body stave off SAD symptoms.
Winter Weather Equals Kitchen Cook Ups
When the weather is wild and woolly outside, it's the perfect opportunity to spend time in the kitchen, cooking up a storm. Cook in bulk and freeze portions to ensure you have a steady supply of nourishing, healthy meals to keep you well and warm in winter. Cooking from scratch also means you control the content and the kilojoules, so traditionally kJ-dense cuisine can be tweaked to keep you on track with your health and fitness goals.
The next round of Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation starts on June 17 - pre season is open now.
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