Are you struggling to stick to your exercise routine in winter? You're not alone. Let's face it, going running on a cold, dark winter morning doesn't sound appealing. When it's cold, and the sun has disappeared, it takes a lot more motivation to work out than it did back in July. But, it's so important to find your inner workout motivation and stay active when the weather changes. Although curling up on the sofa with a blanket and hot chocolate may be the preferred option through the winter, we need to stay active. Maintaining an exercise regime is essential, so it's time to summon up that strength. Try these six methods to keep your fitness motivation on track.

Why Do We Struggle With Fitness When the Weather Changes?

If you're thinking of skipping your next workout, cheating on your diet, or just giving up on your fitness journey altogether, stop and read this fitness quote. “Your body can stand almost anything. It's your mind that you have to convince. It's normal, and you're definitely not alone. Even the biggest fitness fanatics can start to lose motivation to workout during the winter months, but why? The colder weather deters a lot of people from getting outside. Seasonal weight gain varies from one person to another, but in general, research shows that people gain an average of five to seven pounds in winter. It can be so tempting to stay in and catch up on Netflix instead of going out for your evening run. Seasons come and go, and before you know it, summer will be back. If you look after your body now, it will look after you in the future. One way you can start future-proofing your body is to exercise daily. Your body will thank you for it.

Fitness Motivation: 6 Tips to Stay Motivated to Work Out This Winter

We're not going to let the cold, dark and wet days get in the way of our fitness goals, and neither should you! So, we've put together six tried and tested tips to keep your exercise mojo flowing throughout the winter.

1. Find a Workout Buddy

The first step to fitness motivation is simple; partner up with an exercise buddy. One study found that 95% of people who started a weight-loss program with friends, completed it. They were also 42% more likely to keep the weight off. When someone is counting on you to meet them at the gym, you're being held accountable. The kind of accountability that comes from a workout buddy will help to keep you motivated. If you're the type of person that thrives off a little healthy competition, you need to work out with a friend.

2. Treat Yourself to New Gym Kit

Invest in the right winter activewear and dress the part. When you first step out for your winter run, we know it's bone-chillingly cold but, once you get going, you warm up almost immediately. If you plan on running outdoors, make sure you have good running tights, a reflective jacket and a thermal top to keep you cozy. It's not just for running outside, investing in some stylish new workout gear can seriously boost your motivation.

3. Switch Up Your Routine

If the thought of heading out into the cold is still too much to handle, switch up your exercise routine and try something new. Whether it's reformer Pilates, boxing, or a ballet-inspired fitness class, there are plenty of indoor activities you can do. Change the way you exercise and learn something new. Sometimes a lack of motivation can come from boredom, so try a new activity and mix it up. Bootcamps are a great way to keep things interesting. Watch your body become faster and stronger with every session. Proper recovery increases the effectiveness of each workout and speeds up results. Supplementing with collagen peptides can help to speed up your recovery and fast track healing.

4. Work Out in the Morning

There are some serious benefits to starting your day with a sweaty session. Researchers from Brigham Young University found that people who work out in the morning end up being more active in general. They also found that exercising early on in the day can help you consume fewer unnecessary calories. To help you start your day on the right foot, try leaving your workout clothes on the radiator overnight, so they are nice and toasty when you wake up. When you hear your alarm, don't hit the snooze button as tempting as it may be. Get straight up, get dressed, and get out the door before you can even think about how cold it is outside.

5. Set a Goal

An end goal can be just the motivation you need to get moving. It might be to run a 10K or half marathon in the New Year or maybe lose a certain number of pounds. Goals can be big or small but, they need to motivate you to hit the gym or go for your evening run three times a week. Think of how great you'll feel after you work out and when you meet your fitness goals. Research shows that exercise can boost your mood and even alleviate long-term depression.

6. Reward Yourself!

You've put in all the hard work, don't forget to reward yourself. You deserve a treat, and you have most definitely earned it. If you hit your workout target of four sessions at the gym each week, why not buy that new piece of workout gear you've been eyeing up? Positive rewards are an essential part of forming good habits and behaviours. Be kind to yourself and kind to your body. Yes, the weather is changing, and the days are colder and shorter, but that's not to say you can't stay active and motivated. Partner up with a workout buddy, invest in some new workout gear and reward yourself. It's time to get moving and keep your workout motivation at an all-time high this winter.