Hey Y’all! I have another fantabulous guest post for you today. Kelly was kind enough to write one for me, even though she was feeling a bit under the weather when she wrote it. (Such a sweetie!) Check out the post, and check out her blog too. You’ll love it!
Hi Everyone!
My name is Kelly and I write a little blog called Laughter, Strength, and Food! I touch on all things that have anything to do with everything! I talk about working out, I share great recipes (some healthy, some not!), and I ramble about life! When Tiff mentioned that she needed a guest post, I was happy to offer one up and I am honored that she gave me the opportunity. TIff is such a fun girl and I absolutely love reading her blog!
Today, I want to share something that I posted on my blog a couple of months ago. We are smack-dab in the middle of winter right now (well, most of us are…some are still living in sun and warm weather!) and I struggle every time the weather turns cold with one thing…
my workouts.
Does anyone else think that working out is super easy in the summer? I feel like in the summer, I set my alarm, I open my eyes, the sun is blazing in my window, and I’m ready to jump out of bed and hurry outside to either hit the road with my feet or on my bike. However, in the winter, it’s a whole different story. My alarm goes off, I open my eyes and I see nothing because it’s completely dark. I hear wind blowing and, if I even make it to the window, I usually see cold rain or falling snow. That combination is enough to make me want to hide under my warm down comforter all day.
We all know that is not always a possibility and definitely not the best choice. We all have to get up and get moving!
A great way to pump yourself up for a winter workout is to keep your workouts fresh and make them something you look forward to doing! I want to share some of my favorite tips for surviving the winter workout blues.
*Get reacquainted with the treadmill. I know a lot of us hate using the dreadmill, however it can be a great way to freshen up regular runs! Getting creative with speed or incline work and interval training can make for an exciting indoor workout. One of my favorite things to do is use the treadmill for HIIT workouts. These workouts are quick and get the job done!
*Focus on strength training. Strength training is something we can all do and it uses minimal equipment and space. Dumbbells, resistance bands, and medicine balls are great to use in the comfort of your own living room when those temps drop and the snow is flying! Strength training is also great if you are running low on time. Try combo moves that work multiple muscles at once (like squats with bicep curls) and hit double muscles in half the time!
*Try a new fitness class. Winter is the perfect time to try out a new fitness class! Never tried yoga? Always wanted to go to Spin? How about Zumba and Jazzercise? Not only does a new class give you a variety in your workout, but it also gives you an opportunity to meet other class goers and potential workout partners! I just tried Body Pump for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely loved it!
*Participate in winter activities. Finally, just because it’s chilly outside, that doesn’t mean that you have to totally take your workouts inside! They make plenty of gear that will keep you toasty on your runs or outdoor workouts! Taking your workouts outside is a great excuse to go shopping and pick some up! Also, try a new winter sport like skiing or snowboarding or just go out and go ice skating as a way to have fun and sneak in some cardio and killer leg work!
Alright, friends! I hope you enjoyed my tips and found some extra motivation for these upcoming months of darkness and cold weather! It’s so important to use the change in weather to our advantage and see it as a way to mix things up and keep things fun!
Remember…our bodies don’t know that it’s winter…they just want us to keep moving! 
January 19, 2012 at 7:08 am
I totally agree! working out in the summer is SO easy compared to the winter!! Great tips though! I will definitely keep these in mind!!
January 19, 2012 at 10:18 am
Ugh, I hate working out in the winter! But this motivated me, thanks!
January 19, 2012 at 11:14 am
Working out in the rain/snow is not ideal, but sometimes on the weekends I still push myself to take my dog on a walk/jog.
January 19, 2012 at 12:13 pm
our bodies don’t know that it’s winter…they just want us to keep moving!
Great insight…although I do feel that its harder to warm-up and if I don’t dress properly the chill can get to me and really mess up my workout.
January 19, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Fab guest post! Great tips! I’m lucky that the weather isn’t too bad here but I have definitely noticed a drop in my motivation along with the colder weather… giving myself a kick up the bum as I type!
January 19, 2012 at 1:55 pm
It’s funny – I’m the opposite. It’s harder to get me out the door for winter, but I know I’m going to feel much better on the run. In the summer, ugh, it’s so hot and I dread that feeling. Now Atlanta winters are pretty mild, so that probably has something to do with it!
January 19, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Great guest post!!
I definitely agree that trying a new class is a great way to go. That’s what I’ve been doing!