How to Stay off the couch as the cooler weather hits

WORK ON GETTING YOUR SUMMER BODY IN WINTE

This morning when I woke up at 4.30am to get ready for work, I noticed a sudden change in the weather which made me realise winter is almost upon us. This colder change can affect our enthusiasm for our fitness and health goals.  I always find the winter months the most difficult for maintaining motivation.

In order to combat this, I will often set some new goals and develop strategies like organising workout partners as a way to keep committed to my health and fitness.
My message for this issue is not to wait until you go off track but to start planning how you are going to keep your momentum going, now we are moving into a colder, more challenging season.

By taking steps now, you can fool-proof the next few months so that when spring hits you will be able to enjoy life to the max; that way when opportunities come your way you will be ready and fit to embrace them and seize the day.

So this year, instead of curling up on the couch and hibernating under the covers, why not take stock of past habits that have been holding you back and stick with the health and fitness plan?

I always like to say your summer body is made in winter during the colder months.

FOUR EASY TIPS TO KEEP MOTIVATED:

• Most people find they are less active during the colder months and spend more time at home in front of the TV cuddling up under a blanket and tucking into comfort food to warm the body. The only thing is that the resulting lack of activity and comfort eating can lead to some unwanted habits and weight gain.
  
  Think about using a food diary and watching your portion sizes to help keep you on track and always think about the quality of food you eat. Try to eat fresh wherever possible-fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and avoid processed food.  Healthy hotpots and stews are always yummy over the cooler season.
  
  
• Set some new goals to work towards over the colder season. With new goals you will have a positive focus to give you direction. You can plan all your training around your goals and enjoy the rewards of achieving them as spring and summer approach.

• A change of scenery can make all the difference to maintaining motivation.  Take your training indoors to a gym or join an indoor sports club and play indoor soccer, netball or cricket.
  
  
• If you are struggling on your own then think about a personal trainer or finding a workout buddy with similar goals - or even try a new exercise class, join a boot-camp, or sign up to a kick-start program.
  
  Having people around you and to turn up for can make a huge difference to you getting out of bed when the weather is freezing cold and keep your butt into gear.
  
  

• But most of all, just keep moving and keep thinking about what you most want from life. Make some simple changes and you will find it will be worth it come the star of September.

For me, I love being a fit and healthy mum and enjoy being able to do things with my children, especially in the warmer months when I can head outdoors.

Staying on top of my health even when it feels tough is worth it as life is way too short to let it pass us by.