5 bulletproof ways to keep fit over winter - by Alana Bowles

Staying active is essential all year round however it becomes increasingly more difficult during winter. In this blog I share with you my personal tips that help me keep active during winter.
1) Get your momentum
I find it best to anticipate the cold weather and to start activity before the chill really sets in. In my experience I find by doing this I have already gained some momentum and starting isn’t so hard.
2) Set yourself a bottom line
If your standards are low for yourself then you won’t have much driving you. If you set your goals higher than where you are at then you may set yourself up for failure. I find when I am starting out on an exercise regime I need to take an honest inventory then I meet myself where I am and set goals to help me get where I want to go. This often means I need to look at the behaviours that aren’t serving me and start ones that are. Having a bottom line means that no matter what, you will do whatever it takes to stay above the line. Personally, I exercise at least 3 times per week but generally 5.
3) Make a commitment to someone else
Making a commitment to others often helps us stay accountable and committed. I also feel that the power of working in a group or team increases our output and performance. I stay accountable by joining a running group 2-3 times per week and I also participate in group personal training classes.
4) Make Mondays Count
I believe that it is important for your psychology to begin the week on your best foot. Having a successful start to the week creates the momentum and determination to keep going strong during the rest of the week.
Every Monday I wake up at 4.15am for a 5am class. I have been doing this for 4 months now and i love it. I am home before the family wakes up and I have started my week with high energy.
5) Stop thinking about it!
When I was living in rural Queensland I remember someone telling me once “make the decision once.” This has stuck with me ever since. Often when we set ourselves new goals we start off with a lot of enthusiasm until it gets too hard or difficult. The reality is, is that as long as we live we will be experiencing summer, autumn, winter and spring. And all the elements that come with it. There is nothing new about it, and if you are reading this then you have experienced them numerous times already. So time to get on with it and do the thing you need to do.
Yes it will be hot, cold, wet or windy. So what! You made a decision so get the job done. If it's cold, wear a jacket. Wet - train indoors. Hot - run in the morning. And if it's windy, lets hope its on your back.
The weather gives us an opportunity to be creative, enjoy nature and strengthen our will and determination to continue to pursue health and well-being regardless of the weather.

Alana Bowles
Health and fitness is not an option for Alana it is a way of life. When she is not training herself, she is encouraging others to get their sweat on. Business owner, entrepreneur and mother of 2. There is never a dull moment in Alana's life.