Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Start Exercising
When the weather starts to get colder and the dark nights set in, it’s hard to feel motivated when it comes to exercise. If you don’t fancy running in sub-zero temperatures, you’re definitely not alone! However, winter can actually be a great time to start a new exercise regime. Whether you’re setting yourself new fitness goals or starting from scratch, take a look at why you can fast-track your success when you start exercising in winter:
Boost Your Mood
Many people feel more fed up or stressed during the winter months, particularly if you only get a few hours of daylight before it’s dark outside. Lack of sunlight can have a major impact on your mood, with some people even experiencing seasonal affective disorder.
Fortunately, exercise can be a natural way to combat this and other issues such as depression. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which are known to make you feel good. If you’ve ever experienced a ‘runner’s high’, you’ll know just how powerful endorphins are! When you’ve got the Winter Blues, exercise is a sure-fire way to get you out of a slump.
Stay Warm
While it might be tempting to stay indoors with a warm blanket and roaring fire in the winter, this isn’t the most efficient way to stay warm when temperatures are plummeting. What’s more – your utility bills will soar if you have the heating on 24/7.
If you want to beat the cold, the easiest way to do it is to engage in physical activity. Whether you do a few star jumps in front of the couch or hit the gym for a rigorous workout, increasing blood circulation will have you feeling warmer in no time.
You Can Stay Social
When winter arrives, we tend to hunker down and hibernate for a few weeks. As a result, you may spend less time with friends and take part in fewer social activities. Although you may not realize it at the time, this could have an impact on your mood and stress levels.
By training with friends, however, you can ensure that you have a regular social outlet, as well as maintaining your fitness routine. Whether you grab a pair of boxing training gloves and spar with a mate or go running with colleagues before work, the social aspect of exercise offers a variety of benefits. Of course, having a training partner means you’re less likely to skip a workout too!
Boost Your Immunity
When winter arrives, it usually brings colds and flu with it. If you want to avoid getting sick, you can rely on exercise to enhance your immunity. Increasing your heart rate allows immune cells to travel through the body more quickly, which means they’re more efficient at eradicating infections. With regular exercise, you can boost your immunity and reduce the chances of getting sick.
New Year, New Fitness Regime
Millions of people commit to starting a new fitness regime in the New Year, but you can get a head-start on your goals by kicking things off a little early. By starting in December, for example, you’ll already be reaping the rewards of your new fitness routine by the time you’re ringing in the New Year!
