By: Angela Lee, Personal Trainer
With the colder temperatures coming our way, signaling that winter will soon be here, it’s easy to stay at home or want to cozy up on the couch under a blanket. Sometimes it’s not that you’re lazy or unmotivated, you just want to stay warm and not go outside (and I get that! Who wants to go outside for fun when it’s -20?). If you’re new to working out, want to brighten your spirit during the winter months, or learn how to beat the flu – then I have some tips for you!
- Do what makes YOU feel happy!
Find an activity that you enjoy and like doing regularly! Like running? Awesome, go run! Like weight-lifting? Great, get after it! Yoga? Yes, let’s do it! Don’t have any activities you enjoy? That’s okay too. You might enjoy meditation, stretching, or going for a walk to clear your mind. Whatever it may be, use these activities as “YOU TIME.” Use it to clear your head, take a mental breather, and relax from your busy day. No matter what it is, stick with it and you’ll be able to see the benefits (especially mental) sooner than you think. Did I mention you could invite a friend to do this with you? - Boost happy brain chemicals!
Exercise releases endorphins, which create the feelings of happiness and euphoria. If winter has brought your mood down, or if you’re feeling more sad or depressed, physical activity can help you! Activity should be your best friend! Studies have shown that exercises can be just as effective as anti-depressants in some cases, so hey – why not? It is only going to help you. Also, if you’re having the winter blues in general – read our recent article that talks about Vitamin D! You might be lacking in the Vitamin D department! - Beat the flu!
Many people get the flu shot, but does that mean you need to as well? Not at all. Exercise is the best way to increase your immune system, so you can fend off the colds and flu that winter brings! This doesn’t mean you need to destroy yourself in the gym; just a moderate amount of activity will help you, even as little as 30 minutes. Pick an activity, get that blood flowing, and your body will do the rest. Exercise, along with enough sleep, managing stress, and eating healthy amounts of vitamin-rich foods will help your body tremendously.
If you’re new to working out or doing any additional activity outside of your job right now, just remember that ANY activity or movement you start doing COUNTS! Even if you’re walking an extra 10 minutes a day, that is STILL something. Why? Because you weren’t doing that before. Any additional movement you do helps you, your brain and your body. Start off simple, and then add to it from there if you can. It’s only going to help you! Plus, it will make winter go by faster, so that you can enjoy not having to bundle up in 3-4 layers deep before going outside :)
If you want to learn what steps you can take to get more activity into your life, feel free to call or shoot me an email to meet with me for a Free Consultation. I would love to assist you to meet your goals. Visit our website for more information. Always here to help you succeed!
Certifications/Memberships:
- ISSA CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
- ISSA SPECIALIST IN SPORTS NUTRITION
