Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend! I’ll be putting the finishing touches on Tuesday’s launch of the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum RESORT 2020 Collection… I can hardly wait to share it with you in four more days! I’m answering all your questions about it Monday, so be sure to catch that post so you’re ready to go Tuesday, January 21!
Today we’re chatting fitness, and how to stay motivated during these long, cold days of winter! At this point, the winter months are starting to drag, and with it usually goes my motivation to work out. Getting to the gym or heading out for a run this season takes a lot more motivation than it might in July. It’s so easy to dismiss a workout in favor of staying warm inside!
To help with your fitness goals this winter, here are 10 tips to inspire you to exercise, regardless of the weather!
Colorblock Puffer Coat (XS) | Racerback Mesh Tank (XS) | Camo Leggings (XS) | Fave Sneakers | Beanie
one // Make a Plan
A lack of planning leads to a lack of exercise. If you’re just waiting to see how each day unfolds before squeezing in a workout session, chances are it will get bumped. Decide at the beginning of the week what days you’ll exercise, then add them to your schedule! Treat it as you would a doctor’s appointment… your chances of following through increase dramatically when you’ve already carved out the time.
two // Invest in Winter Activewear
If you are heading outdoors, then you should invest in some good quality winter activewear. Thermal leggings, gloves, headbands – the whole shebang! It makes outdoor training much more comfortable and reduces the risk of catching a chill. Even if you’re just in the gym, cute new workout gear can really help with your motivation. Plus, it’s hard not to take a new pair of trainers for a spin!
Bloomingdale’s has a huge selection of incredible activewear, with so many of my favorite brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Alo and more (and most on sale right now!). Their house exclusive, AQUA offers amazing quality, styles, and price points, too… so definitely check that out. Plus, join their free Loyalist Club, and you’ll get free shipping on every order!
Colorblock Puffer Coat (tons of colors & under $50 on sale!) | Camo Leggings (multiple colors) | Beanie
My Fave Workout Sneakers (size down half) | Camo Leggings (high-waist & full coverage to smooth lumps & bumps!)
three // Book a Class or Trainer
One of the things I love (and hate!) about Orange Theory is the commitment to a class once you sign up. There’s no last-minute cancelling without a penalty, so I’m less likely to bail. If you find yourself doing less exercise as the weather gets colder, then maybe it’s time to book a block of classes or personal training sessions to power your way through the winter.
four // Learn a New Sport or Skill
Find yourself falling off the wagon as the sleet, snow and freezing winds increase? Reinvigorate yourself by learning a new sport or skill! Not only is it a great excuse to meet new people, but there is also a great sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new. Whether you want to try out a new barre class or learn self-defense, grab a few friends and give something new a try this winter.
five // Stay Inside
If you’re an outdoor exerciser, it’s definitely harder to drag yourself outside in the cold! If you were planning a run, and it’s pouring rain outside, instead of doing nothing, try a simple bodyweight workout in your living room. Or follow a yoga video online. YouTube has tons of free options you can follow from the comfort of your warm, dry home! At the very least, do some stretches and basic core… chances are, once you get started, you’ll keep going.
Colorblock Puffer Coat (almost half off! Under $50!)
Racerback Mesh Tank (great medium weight & not sheer, comes in several colors)
six // Challenge Yourself
Challenges are hard, but they also give you a sense of pride, accomplishment and prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you thought possible. So, if you’re struggling to get any exercise done and motivation is wearing off, try setting a personal challenge to accomplish by the end of winter…like increasing your distance or speed on the treadmill, trying heavier weights, or improving flexibility. Aim to push yourself and set a new personal best.
seven // Get a Workout Buddy
Friends make everything more fun, including exercise! Getting a workout buddy who has similar fitness goals is a great way to stay motivated throughout the winter. Knowing that someone else is waiting on you is often motivation enough to ensure you don’t skip it.
eight // Turn the Every Day into Your Workout
It sounds silly, but little things like parking far from the door, taking the stairs, walking to the store really add up! At the very least, it keeps you more active throughout the day and gets you moving. Focus on being active every chance you can, rather than just during a workout.
Colorblock Puffer Coat (XS) | Racerback Mesh Tank (XS) | Camo Leggings (XS) | Fave Sneakers | Beanie
nine // Remember Your Why
We all work out for a reason… is it to lose weight, feel stronger, clear your head, relieve stress? The list of benefits goes on and on. On the days you really, really don’t want to exercise, it’s important to remind yourself why you started this fitness journey in the first place. And if that’s not enough, remember that endorphins will help kick the Winter blues!
ten // Summer is Coming!
My Orange Theory coach always tells us, ‘Remember Summer arms are always made in the winter!’ Sunshine and swimsuits will be here before we know it, and you’ll feel much healthier and stronger if you stick with your fitness plan. It’s the hard work and effort you put in now that will be the difference in how you look and feel once summer arrives.
Seasons come and go, so even if you dread dragging yourself to the gym during these colder months, just remember all the hard work you put in now will pay off when the sun is shining again! What keeps you going this time of year? We just booked a little weekend getaway to the beach for next month, so I now have fresh motivation!! Happy weekend, lovebugs!
[Shop My Bloomingdale’s Workout Picks]
*Photos by the darling and talented Audrie Dollins. This post is created in collaboration with Bloomingdales and ShopStyle, but all product selections, styling, and winter struggles are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
Great list! I have definitely found scheduling my workouts like appointments works great. It also helps me try new classes when my ‘usual’ classes don’t fit into my schedule that week. Ps, I am patiently waiting for those camo pants to restock in medium on amazon. I love them! ❤️
Oh they have them! Will order through your link
I have a Fitbit I strap on when I get up each morning. I live in a condo so I’ll walk 1,000 to 3,000 steps before breakfast. My gym is an easy walk away so I head there five days a week right after breakfast. I do my physical therapy (on-going for a shoulder injury), weights and rowing two days a week, physical therapy, rowing and yoga three times a week. My Fitbit keeps me moving until I reach my 10,000+ step goal. On weekends, I give myself a little break from the gym and lower my step goal to 8,000.
I don’t have to motivate myself. It’s just what I do every day. Even on vacation I shoot for my step count. It’s a deeply ingrained habit by now.
Hi Patricia! Sounds like you didn’t need this blog post at all, look at you go! 🙂 xo, Cassie
Well, my point is if readers actually follow your tips, they can turn their “I should do” into daily “done it”. It just takes awhile to build an activity into a habit.
And don’t mistake me for some toned, trim gym bunny, I’m a plump grandma. If I can do this, anyone can!
I totally get you, Patricia! Was just impressed with your work ethic! Way to go! xo, Cassie
All good points as always. Motivation is hard for me (I’m lazy by nature and well, like most people, I’m quite busy working a full time job, part time University student (all online but that takes discipline) and two young kids with hockey practice several times a week). But working out must become a priority for myself (it makes me more energetic when I work out regularly). The worst part is, I have a free gym at work (two actually, as I work in a huge complex…I have no excuse). I would prefer working out outside but winter here in Canada is not what it is in Texas ;p This morning was -32 Celsius (-25.6 F for you Americans). My parking lot for work is a kilometre away from my building (0.6 miles) so that’s a 15 min walk and I cannot emphasise enough how good winter gear (based on your area’s weather) is important! I wore Ice breaker merino wool long johns, lined waterproof leggings on top, merino wool close fit socks and thick wool socks on top, cold weather winter boots, undershirt, wool shirt on top, Point Zero winter parka with fur lined hood, merino wool balaclava, wool tuque (beanie) and thick winter mittens. I was pretty good aside from the exposed bits of my face. I see people running in that weather and my first impression is that they are psychopaths. All this to say…….I’m going to the gym today ;p
Hi Caroline! GOOD LORD – I think I would immediately explode if I were in -25 degree weather!!! All of that clothing sounds like it did the job though! xo, Cassie
I set a goal to run more miles this year than ever before (my goal is 2,020 miles — yes I’m crazy!) so that keeps me going on those freezing cold Maine mornings! Loved this post!!
Is that over FIVE miles every DAY?! Way to go, girl!!!! xo, Cassie
Loved this! When are you next scheduling a post??
Hi there! No more ‘winter’ motivation posts obviously, but maybe I can get one together for the spring! – Cassie