Have you finally gotten started with your workout routine this year? Maybe you’ve started strength training or running? Congratulations! Now you just need to keep moving this fall and winter. Check out Mia’s tips below!
Work Out Outdoors
Getting to the gym can feel like a chore and be stressful, especially when you’re short on time in your daily life. Luckily, all you have to do is open your front door to discover tons of wonderful workout opportunities! Go for a run around the neighborhood or do strength training using whatever you find in your yard or in the woods. If you make exercise easily accessible, you’re more likely to actually do it. Plus, spending time outdoors offers more benefits than just physical activity. Nature also provides fresh air and the chance to clear your mind. Our stress levels go down, and we sleep better at night.
Vary Your Workout
Variety in your workout is important for preventing injuries, but also for staying motivated. Working out is much more fun if you switch up your locations and discover new places. We have many beautiful nature reserves nearby, and there are plenty of outdoor gyms as well. You can also try taking the bus to a new stop and running or walking back.
Set reasonable goals
It often helps to set a clear goal—what do you want to achieve with your workout? It doesn’t have to be becoming a bodybuilder or running a marathon. Maybe you just want to take care of your health and feel good. Be kind to yourself and start with what feels reasonable for you right now. Going for a walk or trying to run a portion of your usual walking route might be enough. And remember that gentle workouts and mobility exercises count as exercise too! Many of us need to let go of the “all or nothing” mindset.
Incorporate Exercise into Your Daily Routine
If it feels difficult to fit in several workouts a week, it might be a good idea to think about how you can easily incorporate more movement into your daily routine. Maybe you could bike or walk to work, or take a walk during your lunch break? If you take the bus to and from work, you could get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way. With a few simple tricks, you can let everyday movement complement your workout routine.
Motivate Yourself
To stay motivated, it’s important to focus on the benefits of your workout, such as all the fresh air you get or how you feel after a session. Be happy with your progress! It can also be fun to have a workout buddy who can cheer you on, whether you work out together or separately. Otherwise, there are plenty of inspiring accounts on social media. An app or smartwatch that reminds you to move and rewards your progress can also be motivating. Challenge yourself to be active for a certain number of minutes each week—maybe you can get your friends or coworkers to join you?
It’s also important to accept that your motivation isn’t always just as strong, and that you still need to get moving. For example, don’t use bad weather as an excuse—invest in good clothing and gear, and get out there anyway. By taking that first step and working out even when the weather isn’t perfect, you’ll increase your chances of making it a habit!