Exercising in Winter

Everyone has a reason to exercise in summer. However, once winter rolls around, motivation levels tend to match the temperature decline. Instead of setting the alarm to 5.a.m. to run as the sun comes up, now it becomes a struggle as the days become shorter and the temperature makes staying in bed a much more attractive option. With this decrease in physical activity comes decreased energy expenditure, meaning the same diet that was keeping you at your ideal weight over summer is now adding kilos of unwanted weight to your body. Kilos that will make your progression back to your summer body all the more difficult, when simple maintenance will ensure you are ready to go on the first day of summer.

As well as the atheistic reasons, physical activity, particularly endurance training such as walking or running, has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and diabetes, by up to 50%. Conversely, a lack of cardiovascular fitness has been found to increase the likelihood of premature death from these diseases. All it takes is 30 minutes of moderate activity on most, if not all, days to improve and maintain your cardiovascular fitness. Instead of running in the morning, park further away from work, or take the stairs instead of the lift. Every little bit helps, and you will feel more energetic and happier to see the first day of summer.