A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that levels of leisure-time, physical activity and physical fitness differ according to seasons. This undoubtedly means there are changes in the types and amount of physical activity we do.
“Hibernation mode" often kicks in during the winter months. There is a notable drop in physical activity due to colder temperatures and dark mornings and evenings. With temperatures finally rising, you may find that you are filled with more energy and a renewed need to get your body moving. This makes spring a popular time of the year to kick-start fitness programmes.
Here are some tips for ensuring that you create a sustainable fitness routine for the warmer months – and hopefully, the colder ones too!
1. Start slow: Don’t overcommit yourself to an exercise routine after being sedentary during the winter months. Start with a short workout and as you progress increase the frequency, volume and intensity of the workout.
2. Discover what you truly enjoy: Don’t spend endless hours doing something you don’t enjoy. Choose an activity that you enjoy, so it won’t feel like it’s another job ticked off the list.
3. Set achievable goals: Having a goal to reach provides some motivation when you really need a push, and the satisfaction of achieving that goal can leave you feeling an immense sense of pride.
4. Pay attention to your body: It’s normal to feel some soreness or fatigue as you get back into the swing of things, but if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away after a day or two, it may be a sign that you need to scale back your training or seek medical attention.
5. Stay hydrated: With warmer weather comes an increased risk of dehydration, so make sure you’re staying properly hydrated before, during, and after your workouts.
6. Keep a fitness journal: A fitness journal can be one of the most impactful things you can do for your own training, as it can help you to see why you are achieving or not reaching your goals by tracking your progress. This can make you a more efficient athlete and help you avoid previous paths to failure. Mobile apps can be a great tool for tracking your weekly progress. Logging your fitness past, present, and future puts you in a position to repeat successes and build on them.
7. Get your family or friends involved: Having someone alongside you during your exercise sessions will help keep you accountable, make exercise more fun, and even boost your mood.
8. Be consistent: To get the results you want, you don’t have to be extreme, just consistent.
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Also read: The role of supplements in fitness training
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