10 ways to get motivated this winter

Through the drearier months we often let our energy levels and determination to get fit waste away, but now you don’t have to. Here are our 10 ways to get motivated this winter

Just because the rubbish weather is making you feel sluggish, you don’t have to let your health and fitness goals fall by the wayside. We caught up with Olympian gold medallist and bride-to-be Joanna Rowsell to find out her top workout tips for fighting fatigue this winter. ‘As winter hits, some people might feel like their fitness levels plummet as much as the temperature. As a result, they end up reaching for the mince pies instead of going for workout,’ Joanna tells us. ‘In fact, recent research revealed that a third of British women confessed that the weather in winter had a detrimental influence on their fitness as they put off exercising when it was too wet, windy or cold.’

We’ve also sought the knowledge of Sapan Sehgal, co-founder of London Fields Fitness Studio – an expert in keeping his clients motivated. ‘To help get you out of bed on those dark, cold mornings, find out what totally motivates you and then surround yourself with it,’ he advises. ‘It could be photos of inspiring sportspeople, the wedding dress or swim suit you want to wear next summer or reminders of the race you’ve booked yourself into. Whatever works for you! Place these things where you can see them every day.’

Check out Joanna’s top 10 tips and Sapan’s expert advice to snapping into shape and staying motivated this winter, despite the cold weather…

1. Plan your exercise

It’s easy to blame your dwindling exercise routine on a busy schedule, especially at Christmas when parties and present-buying make us even busier. Joanna recommends planning your exercise: ‘Even if it’s just for half an hour, at least three times a week. Stick to it like you would any other appointment.’ She also suggests keeping active on your days off exercising, perhaps with a brisk walk during your lunch break. ‘A structured plan will increase your motivation and your chances of success,’ Sapan adds. ‘This stops you from wasting your time, wandering around the gym half asleep making it up as you go along.’