During the cold winter months, it can be more difficult to keep up with your gym routine, especially as a busy mom. It might be harder to get yourself out of bed when it’s dark and cold in the morning, or you might find yourself eager to get home and curl up on the couch with a mug of your favorite hot drink instead of stopping by after work. No matter the season, it’s always a challenge to find time to work out as a mom. However, there are several things you can do to make it easier to get to the gym.
1. Set a Routine That Fits Your Changing Schedule
It’s always easier to keep moving with your routine than it is to start something new. When going to the gym is a regular part of your routine, you’re much more likely to follow through on getting it done. If you allow that routine to break, on the other hand, you’ll find it much more difficult to get back the next time. Find ways to incorporate your gym routine into even your hectic winter schedule, whether that means getting up a little earlier or stopping by the gym after your latest trip to the mall for that perfect gift. You can even look for a gym that offers childcare to help watch your kids.
2. Set Goals That Fit the Winter Season
Winter is often a tough month to stick to your workout routine. You’ve got holiday events right and left, there’s less daylight outside, and there are treats everywhere, urging you to give up on your diet. Set goals that are specifically geared toward the winter season and that fit your goals and plans. Give yourself grace so that you won’t give up even if you miss a few sessions or indulge in more treats than you expected.
3. Incorporate the Holidays Into Your Workout Plans
Winter is filled with holidays that can add a little spark and inspiration to your workout. Take in a holiday movie in the cardio room, try a fun holiday-themed workout (Pinterest is full of them!), or invest in holiday workout gear that will give you that extra spark of fun.
4. Check Out a Winter or Holiday-Themed Class
Mixing things up can keep your gym routine exciting even during the long winter months when things seem to drag on, and it can be difficult to keep yourself motivated. Luckily, your gym may already be getting ready to spice things up! Check out fun holiday-themed workouts at your gym, whether it’s a Christmas music Zumba class or a Valentine’s Day-themed core session.
5. Give Yourself the Gift of Fitness This Year
As you consider what’s on your holiday list for the season, consider giving yourself the gift of fitness. Invest in some great workout gear that will help keep you motivated, whether it’s cold-weather gym gear to fight the chill outside or the gift of a personal trainer to help you meet your goals. See whether your gym is offering discounts for the holiday season: personal training packages, more classes, or gear, for example. When you invest in your fitness journey, you’ll be more likely to keep committing to it all year long.
Getting to the gym in the winter can be tough. With the right motivation, however, you can keep up your gym routine through the winter, putting you in a better position to look and feel your best when summer arrives. Try these strategies to improve your motivation and keep yourself engaged.
