Why Winter running is so good for you!

So it gets a little chilly outside and then you start to think, “you know what, I think I will start running again in November.” But then November comes and it’s too hot. “Oh the sun!” Sound familiar?

Ok, maybe not exactly like this but you get the point that when the weather changes you notice there are less people getting outside. It’s cold. I get it. If you know me, I live in my long puffer jacket from April to October (yes, a little extreme), but when it comes to exercise, dress appropriately for the outdoors and keep your momentum going. Here are a few reasons why running in the Winter are beneficial:

# We tend to spend more time indoors in Winter just because it’s cold and the fire or heater are a little nicer inside. So a 30min run a couple of times a week help you to get your Vitamin D hit from the sun, be in the fresh air and it also helps you burn MORE calories as it turns the white fat (not so good) into brown fat (healthier fat). This also means it could help change your body composition

 

# It can stop you from feeling the effects of SAD (seasonal affect disorder). A disorder that effects people’s moods typically when the weather turns cold and rainy. Getting outdoors will remind you that the weather is not in control of you emotions, you are.

 

# Have you noticed that the running season is during the colder months? It’s because running in the Summer time is a lot harder on the body. And therefore running during the colder periods of the year can be safer for those who get effected by the heat.

 

# It builds your resilience. How good does it feel to say “yeah, I ran yesterday when it was only 4 degrees, and I survived!” Put a beanie on, wear long pants and a jumper, get a mate and go for it. You will survive!

 

# And the most obvious one …… if you don’t’ stop it’s not hard to start again.

 

We run Wednesdays 6pm & Saturdays 6am. A friendly group of like minded people who just love the feeling running provides. Join us!

 

Happy running

Janet

 

Top tips for training in Winter

We have Winter and boy has the temperature dropped! Also, you may have noticed your motivation for your early morning classes may also have dropped because, well, bed is just too dam warm!

You may have heard “Summer bodies are made in Winter” and to be honest, it’s true. Staying on track in Winter is what makes your Summer time training just so much easier!

Here are some tips that will hopefully help you get out of bed on the cold and dark mornings:

  1.  Love your winter outfit. I had a client who had a special outrageously beautiful jacket that was the only motivator that got her out of bed. Whatever it takes right?
  2. Wear warm clothes. It sounds silly but you probably know some people who say how cold it is yet they are still wearing the same clothes they do in Summer. Long pants are so much warmer than 3/4s. That 3 inches difference in material is a game changer. And invest in a warm jumper that makes getting out of the car into the gym a whole lot easier. It sounds silly but these little differences make a massive difference.
  3. Set 45 alarms. You might be good at pressing snooze once or twice, but after that 5th alarm you will probably work out you are sick of pressing the snooze button and actually get out of bed. You are awake now anyway!
  4. Get a gym buddie to arrange some face time 5min after alarm time. People are 75% more likely to achieve their goals when they are accountable to someone else.
  5. Stick a photo of your summer body on the fridge and on your bathroom mirror to remind you that you will survive a 6 degree morning.

Hopefully these tips help you to stay on track or get back on track this Winter!

 

J