Tips for Getting Fit This Winter

New Year’s resolutions are abound and gym memberships are at an all-time high. The beginning of the New Year always triggers our inspiration but the problem is sticking with it once the trends fade. If you’re anything like me, having a game plan and sticking to it is critical to forming a good exercise routine. Just know, being fit doesn’t require expensive personal trainers, trendy diets, or oodles of free time; just good old fashioned willpower. Read the tips below for some basic strategies that have really helped me stay on track.

Set Realistic Goals:

This is the first and in my opinion most important step for getting fit. The keyword here is realistic. Oftentimes people feel inspired by the idea of a healthy resolution and as a result they make lofty and often unrealistic goals. This is especially true if this is your first time trying to set an exercise routine or if it’s been a longtime since you’ve done extended workouts. Remember goals can change, and if you’re exercising regularly your goals should in fact change overtime to account for your progress. However, in the early stages, simply setting and sticking to a routine is most important. Before goal setting, look at your calendar and set a realistic number of days to exercise. Typically between 30 minutes to an hour is a perfectly adequate amount of time for a really good workout.

Find A Friend:

Having a friend to go to the gym with can do wonders for a routine. Just make sure you pick the right friend. Most likely your friend will be looking for extra motivation too, so this relationship is really about encouragement. Set a realistic routine with your friend that is equally convenient for the both of you. Working out with someone else is often more fun and motivating. Just make sure to encourage each other and stay consistent.

Enjoy the Winter Wonderland:

I realize winter isn’t everyone’s favorite time to be outdoors. However, the adventurous can usually use this to their advantage. Winter hiking is a great cardiovascular exercise that has the benefit of getting the kids and dog out of the house and you’ll find the trials are typically crowd-free! Ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing are also great opportunities for cardio that don’t break the bank.  Alpine skiing is definitely not cheap but locals can take advantage of season passes for the family, military and student discounts, and early season deals.

Try Something New:

If you’re already a member of a gym this might be a good time to check out the programs or classes they offer. Classes can be an awesome way to meet workout buddies and the comradery really does something for motivation. Some training programs and yoga studios offer sign up bonuses around the New Year so this might be the perfect time to look!

Set a Spring Goal:

If your goal has certain accomplishment attached to it (like being able to run a mile under X minutes) it will definitely add an extra layer of motivation. Setting this accomplishment goal for the spring should give you more than enough time to prepare. Just make sure your goals are realistic to your situation and that you have a way to hold yourself accountable.