It’s getting to that darker, colder time of year when it’s less pleasant to be outdoors. Many folk find their good fitness intentions slowly grinding to a halt over December. If you have a realistic eating and exercise plan in place over the winter months, you can maintain your fitness and have less catching up to do in 2012. Here are some ideas to keep you active over the winter months:
- Investigate classes: aerobics and dance classes are a fun and sociable way to while away a chilly evening.
- Runners need to invest in some high viz gear for running in the dark. If you find running in the dark demotivational, perhaps plan a longer run on the weekend in daylight, and be sure to get out for a walk or jog at lunch.
- Likewise, it is imperative if you’re cycling to wear high viz and have working bike lights. If the weather gets icy, let down your tyres a bit for extra grip on the road, and be extra careful with braking distance and turning corners.
- You can always turn your bicycle into an indoor exercise bike using a turbo trainer attachment.
- Go for a swim at your local swimming bath. A favourite winter trick for Antipodeans is to retreat to the sauna for a warm up.
- Invest in some fast-wicking underlayers to keep warm and dry when exercising outdoors. My purchase of the year is toasty warm Bridgedale wool walking socks. If the winter is going to be as harsh as predicted, it makes sense to invest in a pair of YakTrax or similar before the snow starts. These are ice grips that can be fitted onto the sole of your everyday shoes that make walking in the snow and ice safer, quicker and more enjoyable. All of these are available from a good outdoor shop (Tiso on Rose Street or Leith is a Scottish-owned outdoor chain).
- Getting outdoors each day into some green space is a proven way to help alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Make it a priority to get outdoors everyday no matter the weather.
- A home cooked breakfast or porridge is an ideal start to your day, and will provide you with energy for the day.
- Be sure to pack your lunch and healthy snacks to ensure that you don’t reach for calorific comfort food. A small handful of almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts and dried fruit are an ideal energy giving cold weather snack. Remember a portion size is only a small handful, not the entire packet!
If you would like more hints and tips about staying fit throughout the Scottish year, check out personal trainer Tracy Griffen’s ‘Healthy Living Yearbook’, only £9.99 online at www.healthylivingyearbook.com – a perfect Christmas present for your loved one…
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