Winter wellness after summer
The summer months are the perfect time to exercise, not only are the days longer and the weather warmer, but we may not be inspired to take advantage of as much sun and activity as we could this summer.
However, there's no reason why your exercise regimen should slow down or stop when winter arrives.
In fact, the colder months are the perfect time to not only reevaluate your fitness goals, but to remind yourself of all the benefits of staying fit, which can work best at a time when our moods tend to suffer, we're more susceptible to illness, and many of us put on a little extra weight.
MOTIVATION IS KEY
How important it is to keep up your exercise during the winter, and we understand how easy it is to feel unmotivated when it's freezing outside and all you want to do is go into hibernation mode, along with a cup of hot chocolate.
Unfortunately, if you manage to slow down, it can harm your well-being and health. Research has shown that the best way to boost your immunity against colds and flu and beat the winter booests is to exercise.
Even a short walk in the middle of the day is enough to increase dopamine and norepinephrine, important neurotransmitters that energize the brain and regulate circadian rhythms.
Don't forget to treat yourself to a massage to keep your body and mind balanced – even if you haven't done any exercise in a while, it will relieve any stress and keep your motivation high.
SET YOUR GOALS
There are many ways to switch your favorite summer exercises to their winter alternatives. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– GROUP ACTIVITIES
If summer exercise for you means a walk in the park or to and from work or even the beach, don't give up on social exercise just because you don't feel the same way.
Instead, try a group exercise class at your local gym. From Zumba to salsa dancing to aerobics, focus on finding a workout where you can be as social as you want, as long as your heart is pumping!
Research shows that running in the winter is ideal, as the cold lowers your heart rate and you may be significantly less likely to become dehydrated, making it easier for you to run faster over longer distances.
However, if the weather outside is just too awful, switch to a tracksuit for now. You'll still get a great workout, while avoiding frostbite!
– CYCLING
A great way to kick back and relax in your warm home and enjoy a good movie or music. The time will pass in no time and you will achieve better results.
– SWIMMING
Nothing better than enjoying the warmth of your local pool, but also a great way to build your fitness. It is estimated that 27% adults in Montenegro actively use the swimming pool in the winter period. And why not take advantage of the winter months to not get wet in our bathing suits? Just in time to show off your sea skills for the summer.
– STAY AT HOME!
Just because you really can't make up your mind until you leave the house when the temperature drops doesn't mean you have to avoid exercise. There are tons of free exercise videos available online, and you can turn your living room into a gym!
If you have room for equipment like weights, skipping ropes, resistance bands, etc., even better. Incorporate them into your full-body workout routine.
– TRY SOMETHING NEW
The winter months are also a great time to try something new. From yoga (try hot yoga to warm up!) to pilates to hip-hop dance classes, there are plenty of fun, winter-friendly exercises you can do to keep you healthy and in your best mood.
Whichever exercise you choose for winter training, remember to warm up first, because the colder weather makes the muscles tougher. Cool down afterwards to prevent injury.
To really help your recovery and get rid of any aches and pains from a hard workout – indulge yourself in thermal spa therapy. The heat will heal your body by stimulating blood circulation, hitting muscles that need repair. Which means faster recovery and readiness for the next physical winter trip.
So it's up to you 🙂