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Writer's pictureJacqui Grant

Fitness - Winter Hibernation: How to shake off those winter blues

Connect and Grow Magazine - Edition 10 June - July 2024


Winter can be when people often choose not to exercise due to the weather; it can also be a time of overeating high-calorie foods to stay warm.

 


Winter is often portrayed as a season of discontent, with Shakespeare’s character Richard 111 famously lamenting, “This is the Winter of our discontent” However, as a Personal Trainer with 30 years of experience, I have witnessed how some clients let the winter blues affect their fitness routines. It is not uncommon for clients to cancel classes and training sessions during the colder months, only to resume once Spring has arrived, blithely saying, “I always do this, and just get used to me; I always come back, though!”

 

While I wish I could wave a magic wand to keep my clients motivated year-round, I understand that the urge to hibernate at this time is very strong. The allure of cozy fires, nourishing soups, and extra sleep-ins on frosty mornings can be hard to resist, but maintaining a constant exercise regimen through the colder weather has numerous benefits.

 Regular exercise helps prevent unwanted weight gain and boosts the immune system, reducing the risk of falling ill during flu season.

 

If getting out of bed on cold mornings is challenging, consider changing your routine.

 

Lunchtime workouts, whether a brisk walk, a gym class, or something online, can be a great way to stay active and energised throughout the day.


 

Is there someone you can call on to be your workout buddy? This can help keep you both accountable and motivated because neither of you will want to let the other one down.  Whether it’s a run, walk or gym session, exercising with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable and effective!

 

So, instead of succumbing to the urge to hibernate, I encourage you to push through those winter blues and make it your best season of contentedness by staying the course and achieving those fitness goals.

Believe in yourself and keep going, your goals are important! 


 

By staying active during the winter months, you’ll maintain your fitness level and emerge into Spring feeling fit, vibrant, and ready to enjoy the warmer months. With this new way of being, you might even take on something else you’ve never tried before. So why not give it a go? You’ll likely find yourself feeling better both physically and mentally. Plus, you’ll save yourself the hassle and expense of needing a whole new wardrobe come Summer!


Vivienne Derwent

B. HSC, ANTA

Founder

Personal Trainer & Clinical Nutritionist


(C) 2024 Break Free Consultancy Connect and Grow Magazine


Disclaimer: all information is correct at the time of publication, and it is the responsibility of the reader to seek the professional input that they require.


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