Hey There, Mamas!! Finding Ways to Stay in Shape this Winter can be a drag. Between the cold weather and lack of daylight, it is no wonder that many people slack off from exercising when the temperatures grow cold. Here in Hawaii we don’t have as drastic of a weather change but it does get colder (to me) and it can rain more…. plus for some reason, my kiddo’s activities really kick up a notch during these months.
You know those moms that are always in shape, with toned arms and rock-hard abs? Yeah, I’m not one of them. In fact, with all the changes going on with my kids and as life has gotten busier I have basically let myself go. I’ve been eating whatever I want, not exercising at all, and my clothes are starting to feel a bit tight.
But don’t worry, I’m not giving up! I’m just going to have to work a bit harder to get back into shape. This time around I’m going to be focused yet gentle with myself. In the past, I’ve thought being in shape is all that matters. What matters is being healthy physically and mentally.
Ways to Stay in Shape This Winter
As a busy mom of seven kids, I know that it can be hard to find time to stay in shape. Between work, soccer practice, and homework, it seems like there’s never enough time in the day. But don’t worry – I’ve come up with some simple tips that will help you stay in shape this winter, without having to spend hours at the gym. These tips are perfect any time of year.
If you would like more health tips and recipes check out these posts:
How to Find a Fitness Routine that Will Work for You
Healthy Lunch Ideas for Busy Moms
With the New Year, now is the perfect time to start thinking about goals for the upcoming year. Why not start now? It might be Winter, but it is still possible to stay in shape during the cold winter months.
Now…. let’s get on to getting or staying in shape this year!
Take Up a New Class
If your exercise routine is stale, it will be much more difficult to motivate yourself to get out the door when you would rather be cozy by the fireplace. Add variety to your workout by taking up a new class. If you typically enjoy spinning, try Pilates. Normally a runner? Switch things up with Barre.
Enlist Friends
As humans, we are highly social beings, which is why friends can be especially motivating. Find a friend or two who is also trying to stay in shape. Even if you don’t work out together, you can keep each other accountable with regular check-ins and gym dates.
Learn a New Winter Activity
There are certain activities that can only be enjoyed during the winter, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, or cross country skiing. These winter sports are fun calorie-burners, and a great excuse to work out while enjoying the outdoors.
Sign Up for a Recreational League
Why not take your love of sports and combine it with making new friends? You can find recreational team leagues at the YMCA or other exercise facilities. These are a great way to stay in shape without feeling like you are working out. Plus you’ll meet some amazing people (and learn how they play!), all while having fun!
Take Advantage of New Year Specials
Who doesn’t love a good deal? During the month of January many gyms, studios, and clubs offer promotional pricing as a way to encourage new members to follow through with New Year’s resolutions. Other holidays and times of year gyms and fitness centers will have deals and sign-up specials. Take advantage of these special offers as a way to motivate yourself to get moving.
New Year’s is a great time to find deals on workout clothes too, other holidays and at the end of summer, you’ll see your favorite gym and yoga clothes on sale.
Plan Special Exercise Events
You can’t go wrong by getting your friends together for an exciting event! If they enjoy similar interests like exercise, try planning a group run. You might start and end at the same place so that everyone has time to socialize before heading home (and order some hot cocoa). Consider looking up festive events such as Valentine’s Day 5ks or snowshoe races – there will be plenty of motivation when you’re finished with this workout routine.
Set Goals, and Rewards
To stay in shape during the winter, try setting small goals and corresponding rewards. As an example you might start by planning to exercise three times per week for 30 minutes each session–once your goal is reached reward yourself as a celebration of all that hard work! In this way, it’s easier on both our minds (and bodies) when we see fitness not just something dreadfully necessary but also enjoyable enough so that sometimes even partaking in some light workouts like going outside or taking stairs instead of elevators whenever possible will trick our brain into thinking exercise is fun.
Set goals, give yourself rewards, and fake it until you make it. Pretty soon you won’t be forcing yourself to stay in shape. Another little thing I do to reward myself is to get a new gym outfit when I meet a goal or when I see I’m staying motivated. Getting new outfits and workout gear and attire is the ultimate way to say you go girl! There are so many cute outfits you can get yourself to use for workouts and just about anywhere. As they say, fitness clothes look good no matter where you’re going. These are my favorite Capri leggings. They are soooo comfy.
I hope you have found these tips helpful and inspiring, Mamas. Remember, it doesn’t take much time to get a good workout, and feel like you’ve made progress on the fitness front! It isn’t going to be easy, but if you implement a few of these tips I know you will find success.
Happy Sweating, Mamas!!
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