Keeping oneself fit during warm sunny days is easy.  But brutal brisk winds, cold air and snowy days heralding in winter can also bring an end to your regular workout sessions.  On top of that, thanks to daylight-saving time, maybe you leave to go to work in the dark and return home in the dark.  Instead of being motivated to get out and exercise, you are more likely inclined to want to stay put indoors curling up with a good book instead.

Slacking off from exercise during the long winter months is not unusual.  It can be hard to want to face harsh winter weather when it is so much easier during weather that is conducive to exercising outdoors.  Of course there is always the alternative of going to an indoor gym to walk on a treadmill or lift weights.   But maybe the gym is clear across town or it tends to be crowded.  Maybe you prefer to get in an outdoor workout but not when it’s cold outside.

It’s not always easy but keeping a consistent, regular workout schedule can be done but with a few some simple adjustments.  Here’s how:

·         Before heading outdoors, make sure you get your body acclimated first.  Do your warmup indoors by taking five to ten minutes doing easy aerobic moves such as jogging in place or jumping jacks.  This will get your blood circulating so when you step into cold winter weather you will already be warm. 

·         Dress in layers is another strategy to use when facing cold air. As your body temperature rises during exercise, you can take some layers off.  But if you feel chilled again, you can put a layer back on.  Be careful about hypothermia and frostbite.  Temperatures can take a big dip once the sun goes down. 

·         Consider investing in some at-home exercise equipment.  Very few of us are overly enthusiastic about venturing outdoors in chilly winter air particularly if it is snowing or threatening to snow. 

By having your own home gym, you can remain in the comfort of your home and still get a good, solid workout.  Evaluate what piece or pieces of gym equipment you will use the most – a treadmill, stair climber, stationary bike, weight-lifting equipment or even exercise videos.  Another motivator is to have a TV to watch while working out so you can keep up with your favorite shows without becoming bored.

·         Have an exercise buddy.  Many people do much better keeping motivated to exercise if they have a friend who also wants to keep in shape over the winter.  This would make both of you accountable to each other.  Work together to find convenient times for both of you to make working out happen several times a week.

 ·         Even if you don’t get in as many workouts like you do in warmer months, when you do workout maintain the same intensity and duration of time like you do in warmer weather.  The idea is to do aerobic exercise at least three times a week.  If you can do this, you will be able to maintain and preserve your fitness status until the spring thaw arrives.