With December well in swing, winter is upon us! While this is the most wonderful time of the year for many reasons, it’s often the most challenging when it comes to staying fit.
As the winter chill sets in and the days grow shorter, maintaining an active lifestyle seems more daunting by the day.
Lower temperatures combined with early sunsets can easily discourage even the most dedicated fitness fanatics. The idea of a winter workout doesn’t exactly scream appealing, but that’s all the more reason to shift your workout routine as the season changes.
Not only is it essential for your physical well-being, but modifying your workout is also crucial for maintaining motivation.
Let’s dive into this winter workout guide and discover some winter workout tips to keep you feeling your best all season long.
Winter Wellness Tips
Winter brings about a unique set of challenges that can impact your regular fitness routine. The colder temperatures often lead to decreased motivation, and pair that with increased muscle stiffness, and you have yourself a surefire reason to stay in bed and skip your workout. Top this off with flu season and other illnesses making their rounds, and you have a nice list of challenges to face when it comes to winter exercise.
So, how do you combat these seasonal challenges? Adapt your workout to the seasonal changes! Adapting your workouts to align better with the winter season is essential.
One effective way to do this is by incorporating indoor workouts that provide a controlled environment. Sure, soaking up the sun during warmer months by exercising outdoors is a lovely bonus. But as the seasons change and the weather doesn’t permit you to do so, adapting is the solution.
This not only shields you from the harsh weather but also allows you to focus on specific fitness goals without the distractions that sometimes come with outdoor conditions.
Three Common Winter Exercise Challenges:
- Decreased motivation — the winter blues are a real phenomenon, and the lack of sunlight can easily negatively impact your mood and motivation. Finding the drive to exercise becomes even more challenging during this season. For instance, if you’re an early riser and love getting your workout in first thing in the morning, you may find it a bit more difficult to do so when it means waking up before the sun is up.
- Cold-weather stiffness — cold weather can cause muscles and joints to tighten, making it harder to engage in physical activities comfortably. Warm-up stretches become even more critical during the winter.
- Seasonal illnesses — colder temperatures also often coincide with an increase in sickness. Exercising in crowded gyms may expose you to a higher risk of contracting these illnesses. It's important to take precautions to maintain your health during the winter months. Practice simple tasks such as washing your hands more frequently or wiping down equipment both before and after use.
If you’re looking for a new workout or to spice up your current routine, try adding Lagree to your winter wellness routine. Practice your mind-body connection, work on improving your flexibility, and increase your core strength and muscular endurance — all in a single class. When it gets icy outside, step into the studio and let Lagree be the icing on the cake when it comes to your winter wellness.
Why Lagree Is Great as a Winter Workout
As we mentioned before, choosing an indoor winter workout is a wise choice. That’s just one reason Lagree is a great workout for the colder season — indoor accessibility.
Lagree is conducted in an indoor studio equipped with Megaformer machines. This allows you to easily escape inside and maintain a consistent workout routine in a comfortable environment. Once you opt for Lagree as your go-to workout, you won’t have to worry about adapting your workout routine much, as it’s unaffected by the weather outside.
One of my favorite features of the Lagree method — low-impact, high-intensity —is another reason Lagree is a perfect winter workout. The exercises are designed to be gentle on the joints while still challenging you. This makes it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels, including those who may have joint concerns exacerbated by the cold weather.
With Lagree as your winter workout, you ensure full-body engagement. During a Lagree class, multiple muscle groups are engaged simultaneously, providing a comprehensive and efficient workout. This is especially beneficial during winter when time constraints and reduced sunlight may limit your workout opportunities.
Staying Motivated in the Cold
Keeping your motivation levels up during the winter months is key to a successful fitness journey — but no one said it was an easy task. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated as we roll into the new year:
- Set realistic goals: Break down your fitness goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This will make your progress more tangible and help you stay motivated throughout the winter.
- Mix it up: Incorporate a bit of variety into your workouts to keep things interesting. Lagree is sure to keep you on your toes with its diverse exercises and routines. Take a Lagree class to add a dash of excitement to your winter workout regimen.
- Buddy up: Find a workout buddy or accountability partner to share the journey with. Having a companion helps you stay motivated, and you can hold each other accountable. Plus, a little friendly competition is always fun and makes winter workouts more enjoyable.
- Set out cozy workout attire: Plan ahead and lay out your workout outfit the night before an early AM workout, or pack your outfit in the morning if you’re headed to the studio straight from work. Either way, being prepared and setting aside your workout clothes beforehand puts you one step closer to being ready to get your Lagree on!
Recovery and Self-Care Practices
Winter workouts can take a toll on your body, and recovery becomes more paramount than ever before. Here are some self-care practices to consider incorporating into your winter wellness routine:
- Hydrate — the cold weather may make you less aware of your fluid intake. However, staying hydrated is crucial for muscle recovery and overall well-being. Although you may not be as inclined to drink as much H2O as you are in warmer months, it’s a vital part of a balanced wellness routine.
- Warm baths and saunas — combat muscle stiffness and enhance relaxation by including warm baths or sauna sessions in your routine. These practices can also help improve circulation. Treat yourself to a day of wellness and feel the rewarding rejuvenation after spending a day at the spa.
- Stretching: warm up and cool down — incorporate regular stretching sessions to maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries. Warming up before a workout and cooling down with a stretch post-workout help reduce the risk of injuries as well. Stretching also aids in stress reduction and mental well-being.
- Quality sleep — you can do all of the above and more, but without sufficient rest, all of your efforts are futile. So do your best to get adequate sleep, as this is when your body repairs and regenerates. A well-rested body is better equipped to handle the physical demands of winter workouts.
Conclusion
If you want to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle year-round, keep some of these winter workout tips in mind, such as adapting your workout routine to the winter season. Lagree offers a versatile and effective solution to combat common winter fitness challenges while providing a full-body workout that can be tailored to any fitness level.
As you embark on your winter workout journey, remember to stay motivated by setting attainable goals, and with the New Year right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to do so.
Additionally, you’ll want to prioritize recovery and self-care practices to ensure your body is ready to handle the demands of winter exercise.
If you're ready to experience the benefits of Lagree for yourself, sign up for your first class today! Escape the winter chill, embrace a new fitness challenge, and set the tone for a healthy and active season. Your body will thank you as you emerge from winter stronger, more energized, and ready to tackle whatever fitness goals lie ahead. May your winter workouts and holiday season be wonderful!
