As the weather changes, it's tempting to stay inside, to skip the gym and curl up on the couch with a book and a movie. But whether you are a trail runner or a weight lifter, exercising daily is doubly important in the colder months. People tend to put on weight at this time of year, because they are eating more comforting foods and moving less – a lot less. Here are five tips from the residential house cleaning professionals, MOLLY MAID, to ensure your workout motivation meter stays on high:
1. Change your routine – A workout routine can become monotonous. Changing things from time to time will breathe new life into your exercise plan. If you're used to running the same route, go the other direction. If you go to the same Zumba class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, check out a toning, spinning or yoga class. Keep it fresh and you'll be less likely to get bored.
2. Update your playlist – New tunes can be a great way to put energy back into your workout, and you don't have to look far online to find a variety of exercise playlists. If there's a specific speed you want, you can even find tools (like jog.fm) that will match songs to your pace. Similarly, try using Pandora. If you're really brave, you could try working out while listening to podcasts or talk radio – learn something while you're getting fit!
3. Cross train – Don't do the same thing every single day. Cross-training is good for your motivation levels, mind-set, as well as for your body. If you like weights, try doing some cardio a few times a week. Changing things like this could even give you better workout results as your body will power through any plateaus.
4. Take rest days – Schedule days off. When you train hard all the time, a day off can feel like a “cheat” and you may fall victim to theall-or-nothingmentality that leads from a single cheat day to an entire month off. Scheduling rest days ensures your body has time to recover and gives you a chance to indulge a bit.
5. Enlist a trainer or workout buddy – When you have to be accountable to someone, you're less likely to give up. Hire a trainer for the season or just ask a friend to meet you at the gym or park. We all need additional support sometimes, and another person can offer the encouragement needed to inspire you to get out of the house on those cold mornings.
MOLLY MAID wishes you the best of luck with your new workout!
