We often hear the phrase “Summer bodies are made in winter,” suggesting that the colder months are the prime time to work towards the body you want to flaunt in warmer weather. However, the reality is that achieving your ideal physique is not confined to one season but is an ongoing process throughout the year. It’s essential to view fitness as a year-round endeavour, beneficial for your physical appearance and mental well-being.
Embracing Winter Fitness
Winter presents an excellent opportunity to focus on self-improvement and use exercise to combat the challenges posed by colder temperatures and shorter days. Many individuals, myself included, struggle with both physical and mental health during this season. The decrease in sunlight exposure disrupts our circadian rhythm, leading to increased levels of depression and weakened immune systems. Therefore, staying active during winter is crucial for maintaining mental resilience and a strong immune system.
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Tips for Winter Workouts
1. Dress Appropriately: Layer up with base, middle, and outer clothing layers to stay warm before and after workouts. Don’t let the cold be an excuse; dress appropriately for the weather to ensure comfort during exercise.
2. Explore Home Workouts: On days when going to the gym feels daunting, embrace home workouts. The lockdown period highlighted the effectiveness of exercising at home with minimal equipment. Get creative with your workouts to keep them engaging and enjoyable. Get your home workout deck now here.
READ MORE: 20 Essential Home Gym Equipment Pieces You Need to Have
3. Adapt Outdoor Activities: If harsh weather conditions hinder outdoor training, consider indoor alternatives such as treadmill running or spinning sessions. Consistency in training is key to maintaining fitness levels throughout winter.
4. Find an Accountability Partner: Motivation can wane on cold, rainy days, making it tempting to skip workouts. Having an accountability partner can provide the necessary encouragement to stay committed to your fitness goals, even when motivation is low.
5. Mindful Nutrition: Cold weather often triggers cravings, leading to unhealthy snacking habits. Opt for nutritious snacks like popcorn or yoghurt and fruit to satisfy cravings while maintaining a balanced diet.
READ MORE: This Is What Greek Yoghurt Does for Your Health
Embrace the Winter Challenge
Every season has its purpose, and winter is no exception. Embrace the challenges of winter training, knowing that your efforts will pay off in the long run. Don’t let the cold days deter you from pursuing your fitness goals; stay focused and consistent, and you’ll reap the rewards later in the year.
To receive personal training both in-person and virtually from Yanga, click here. Explore wellness products by Y-NOT here, and join Yanga’s 365 Days of Movement challenge by following the link here.
Meet Yanga Ngcayisa
Yanga Ngcayisa is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and fitness coach based in Cape Town, South Africa. Since being featured in Men’s Health Magazine in 2020 for his inspirational weight loss transformation of 34kgs in 6 months, Yanga has dedicated his life to giving back in the health and wellness industry through innovative solutions. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Yanga has founded his own wellness brand named YNOT and is continually seeking ways to make it simple, fun, and convenient for people to live healthier lives.