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Autumn & Winter Fitness: What You Need To Know

Autumn & Winter Fitness: What You Need To Know

Keeping fit during autumn and winter isn’t fun.

 

There’s no point denying it, is there? Winter is the season when we’re all meant to be curled up watching movies while it snows outside. It’s the season of blankets, mugs of tea, and quiet nights spent trying to persuade yourself you don’t need to turn the thermostat up another notch. With all of these activities on your mind, few of us have the motivation to keep up a fitness regime.

 

There’s a good reason for this, too. While humans don’t hibernate, we do have a tendency to want to hide away during autumn and winter. Most people feel more lethargic during these seasons too, which is exacerbated by a lack of natural daylight. We’re also more likely to overeat during the winter months, which means the lack of fitness activity to compensate can be felt even more when it comes to fitting into our December party dresses.

 

So even though it’s only just autumn, it’s worth thinking about the cold months to come and the knock they might make on your fitness regime and overall health. If you’re going to breeze into spring with a smile on your face, it might be worth making a few adjustments over winter. Adjustments such as…

 

#1 – Take Advantage Of Winter Sports

 

You might think that autumn and winter are killers of outdoor fitness activities and, to an extent, they are. Few of us are going to go out for a hike or run when the freezing temperatures set in.

 

However, there are a few sports and activities that increase in popularity over winter, so it’s worth considering adding these into your regime. Ice skating, for example, is perfect for this time of year and will give you a thorough all-over body workout. You could also consider heading to a snow dome (if the weather doesn’t supply you with the real stuff) and trying out skiing.

 

#2 – Increase Your Activity Levels To Allow For Seasonal Treats

 

You’re likely going to want to eat more over autumn and winter, a problem made all the worse by the delights on offer. It’s a season of sweets for Halloween and sweets for Christmas, not to mention the pumpkin spice lattes that are calling your name.

 

If you do indulge, then make sure you compensate by upping your fitness routine or even trying weight loss pills. Focus more on cardio activity, which will help you burn off the excess calories faster than strength training. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional seasonal treat, so long as you increase your activity levels as a result.

 

 

#3 – Check Your Vitamin D Levels

 

As has been mentioned a few times, people are more likely to feel lethargic over the winter months. Vitamin D deficiency is also a culprit for the seasonal lack of energy. If you’re going to keep your fitness up as described above, then you need energy. If you find yourself struggling, then ask your doctor for a Vitamin D test to see if you might have a deficiency that’s draining your get-up-and-go. This is well worth doing and follows medical advice; it’s recommended that everyone in the UK take Vitamin D supplements, though do speak to a doctor before you supplement.

 

By focusing on these three areas, you should be able to make it through to spring in fine form.

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