The weather at the moment just sucks, right Britain? We have a day or two of brilliant sunshine, and we're all in our shorts and sundresses buying food for the BBQ. Then the temperature plummets along with our moods, and the rainclouds appear. It does nothing for our motivation, and if you're feeling the drag of the gloomy days, you're not the only one.
Working out on dreary, cold days is so much harder than when the sun is warming our skin. It's harder to pick up your trainers, harder to find the excitement for a long bike ride, and generally harder to get out of the house. This is a short list of things that have helped me get off my butt and work out, even on the most dismal of days.
1. Get it out of the way. Someone who is into their fitness isn't supposed to say this, right? I should be sickeningly positive at all times. However, sometimes I just can't be bothered, the same as you, and the thought of coming home after work and going for a run or hopping on my bike just isn't an enjoyable one. So the mornings are where it's at. Sure it's hard to get out of bed, but the plus sides are that you've already ticked off your day's exercise, and the streets/gym are likely to be quiet if you go early enough.
2. Look good, feel good. If I'm in a saggy pair of tracksuit pants and a hoodie, my motivation is right back upstairs under the duvet. It's amazing what a bright pair of leggings or a cute top can do for the soul, and to be honest that's what gets me up and running (pun intended) and out of the door.
3. Forward planning. Going on holiday? Got a big event coming up? Write that shit in your diary with a big circle around it, and think of it every time you consider working out. Think about how you want to look and feel on that day or week, and use it to prop up your mojo every time you feel it sagging. Nobody likes looking back and thinking 'I wish I'd started then...'
4. Drag a buddy along with you. Running is no fun when you're on your own; nothing gets me moving like having someone else along for the ride. If they are at the same fitness level, it's great. If they are better, it's also great because there is the added incentive to work even harder and achieve more. Just make sure you reward yourselves after, with a cuppa or a treat and a good long chat!
No buddy? A dog will do just fine. The chat isn't there, but the hilarity of watching them jump through fields sure is.
5. Sign up for that thing you've been talking about. 5k? 10k? Nothing motivates you like the idea of spending money on something and failing miserably at it. If you've committed yourself to something early on, the chances of you training hard for it and making the extra effort are much higher.
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