Wondering how to stay consistent with working out, especially during colder months? These 10 tips will help you keep your fitness routine on track, no matter the weather!
As autumn and winter are approaching us, many will start to fall off track with healthy habits, such as workout routines. So I wanted to share how to stay consistent with working out even during the colder months which will help you build self-discipline. Keeping up with workouts isn’t just about motivation; it’s about building discipline. These simple tips will help you stay on track, not only during colder months but all year round.
When winter arrives, it’s easy to feel low on energy and fall off track. That’s why these tips are so valuable—they’re designed to beat the seasonal slump and keep you focused on your fitness goals.
How many times do you find yourself only starting to work out just before summer just to look good? This approach often leads to ups and downs, with a lack of consistency and falling back into bad habits. As winter sets in, you may start to fall off track with your workout routine, only to restart in spring. But I know these 10 tips will help you build exercise habits that will last!
If you’re looking to make exercise a part of your lifestyle and stay on track even in colder months, these tips for exercising during autumn/winter are for you. They’re practical ways to tackle the challenges of chilly weather and keep your fitness routine going.
I personally use these tips to get back on track when I’ve slipped up. They’re tried-and-true methods that help me overcome obstacles and find my workout rhythm again.
This post is all about how to stay consistent with working out even during colder months.
How To Stay Consistent With Working Out
How To Make Exercise A Habit Even During Colder Months
1. Mix Up Your Routine
When my motivation takes a dip or my energy is running low, I turn to dance workouts. This type of workout gives me a sense of accomplishment even when I’m feeling drained. This is by far my favourite tip on how to stay consistent with working out regardless of the season.
One great way to find enjoyable workouts is through YouTube. You can explore a variety of exciting routines in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can combine it with watching your favorite show. This trick is especially helpful on those extra chilly days when you’re tempted to stay curled up in bed. Just remind yourself that you’re not only catching up on a series but also squeezing in a workout you love.
Another strategy is to challenge yourself with new workouts. Trying a new style of workout might reveal a workout style that resonates with you. This can infuse your routine with enthusiasm. Whether it’s a new routine every morning or a reliable favorite in the afternoon or evening, having this option can be a real game-changer on days when you’re feeling less motivated.
2. Create A Home ‘Gym’
When the weather turns really cold, snowy, or rainy, there is a chance many of you will be put off going to the gym. But there’s a solution that’s both affordable and effective—working out at home. Here’s a rundown of some budget-friendly home workout equipment that I personally own and adore. You can find these below.
Creating your home gym doesn’t mean transforming a whole room into a workout haven with lots of equipment. It’s about picking a few essential pieces that support your exercise routine on those days when hitting the gym feels impossible.
While going for walks or outdoor workouts might not be so tempting during the colder months, I get it. Thoughts of curling up under a cozy blanket with a hot drink while enjoying your favorite show can easily take over. That’s where having a few select pieces of equipment comes in handy. They bridge the gap between what you’d do at the gym and what you can achieve at home. This tip can be the motivation you need to conquer chilly days, getting rid of any excuses.
However, let’s not forget that effective workouts can still be accomplished without any equipment. Your own body weight is a fantastic tool, and there are countless exercises that can sculpt your body right at home. So, whether you choose to invest in a few pieces of equipment or prefer equipment-free routines, the key is to keep moving, stay consistent, and adapt to what suits you best.
At-Home Gym Equipment
5. Yoga Mat
6. Dumbbell Set
3. Schedule Regular Workouts
Make your workouts non-negotiable: like you’d treat appointments, set specific time slots in your calendar for exercise. This holds true regardless of the season—though I’m emphasizing it here on how to stay motivated to work out during the colder months. Personally, I map out every aspect of my day, right down to dinner prep time.
You probably set important appointments on your calendar, ensuring you don’t miss them. Similarly, block out time for your workouts. Commit it to your schedule and regard it as vital as any other task.
Moreover, choose workout slots that fit your lifestyle. Be realistic about your time commitments. For instance, if you have a busy life—whether you’re a parent, student, or professional—setting aside just 10-20 minutes might be more manageable. These shorter sessions can still contribute to maintaining your routine and healthy habits, even through the colder months.
Remember, it’s all about fitting exercise into your day without overwhelming yourself. By scheduling your workouts like appointments and matching them to your lifestyle, you’re more likely to stick to them and nurture your well-being.
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4. Morning Momentum
Embrace morning movement – kick-start your day with a workout. Completing your exercise routine early can infuse your entire day with positivity.
Personally, I’m a big fan of adding some form of movement to my morning routine. Even a simple stretch counts as movement, or I might opt for a quick 10-minute workout to get my blood flowing. This habit effectively sets a positive tone for my day. Plus, when you complete your workout in the morning, you free yourself from worrying about it later.
Sometimes, conquering a task we’re not looking forward to is best done first thing. This approach releases those happy hormones, like dopamine, that boost your mood. If you’re new to morning workouts then make it a challenge, try experimenting with this approach for at least a week, following tip number three. There’s no pressure to make mornings your workout time. As I mentioned earlier, it’s about finding your workout sweet spot whenever it works best for you during the day.
5. Focus On Short Workouts For A Consistent Workout Routine
On days when your energy is low, opt for a quick workout. Knowing that it won’t take too much of your time can be your motivation to begin.
During the early days of my wellness journey, I struggled with maintaining consistent workouts. Long hour-long sessions just didn’t fit right with my daily life. This was particularly challenging when my motivation hit a low point, often during colder days. The result? I’d skip workouts entirely, thinking that if I couldn’t go all out, it wasn’t worth it.
However, shifting my focus to shorter workouts ranging from 10 to 20 minutes was a game changer. This adjustment transformed my consistency. Even during the colder months of autumn and winter, I found myself sticking to my routine. If you typically engage in long workouts, whether at home or the gym and colder days tend to affect you, consider this: swap those prolonged sessions for short, efficient home workouts. Commit to these shorter routines, and watch how you will develop a consistent workout routine.
6. Remind Yourself Of Consistent Exercise Benefits
Take a moment to appreciate the benefits of working out, particularly during colder seasons. From enhancing your immune system to lifting your mood and boosting your energy levels, exercise offers a range of advantages. This approach is key to how to stay consistent with working out, especially during the colder months.
Here’s a valuable lesson I’ve learned: relying solely on motivation isn’t the key to consistency. Instead, it’s self-discipline that truly matters. One technique that has worked for me, even in the winter, is reminding myself of the benefits that exercise brings.
Exercise’s benefits extend across the seasons, but they become especially important during colder months. As our immune system faces challenges, like the flu season, exercise can protect us. It boosts our immune function, helping us fight against illnesses.
Embrace the self-discipline mindset, and let the benefits of exercise fuel your dedication, no matter the weather.
7. Prepare Your Workout Clothes
A simple but effective addition to your nightly routine is laying out your workout clothes. It might sound a bit odd, but it works wonders. Often, in the morning rush, we can feel unsure about what to wear for our workout. By having your outfit ready and waiting, you prevent this from happening. As soon as you wake up, your outfit will be ready and this will increase your chances of following through.
This approach might sound basic, but it’s very similar to scheduling a workout just like you would an appointment. You’re setting the intention for something you’re committed to doing. Think of it this way: if you’re planning to go out with friends the next day, you would immediately lay out your outfit the night before. It’s a way to ensure you’re ready for the day ahead. Which is why I believe this tip works wonders.
8. Celebrate Small Wins
Each time you complete a workout, even when motivation/energy is low, take a moment to celebrate that small victory. Recognize the effort you put in and pat yourself on the back for getting it done.
It’s all about embracing even the tiniest achievements. Every day you push through, you’re building your determination. No matter how small the step, it’s a step forward. This positive reinforcement boosts your motivation and strengthens your commitment.
Remember, progress isn’t only measured by huge leaps. It’s the sum of every small triumph that truly shapes your journey. So, don’t underestimate the power of celebrating even the simplest accomplishments. Each one brings you closer to your goal and makes staying consistent a rewarding experience.
9. The 10-Minute Rule
My favourite rule for how to stay consistent with working out! It is a bit similar to my earlier point about shorter workouts (tip number 5) but with a twist.
Imagine you have a scheduled workout of 20, 30, or even 45 minutes, but on a particular day, your energy is running low. In those moments, tell yourself you’ll do just a 10-minute workout. Often, once you get started, you’ll find yourself wanting to continue.
When I face these low-energy days, I commit to a 10-minute dance workout—something I genuinely enjoy. More often than not, one session leads to another, giving me a 20-minute workout, right in line with my schedule.
However, it’s important to listen to your body. If you genuinely can’t go on after 10 minutes, that’s perfectly okay. Celebrate that small accomplishment. You did something, and that’s what matters. It’s not about pushing yourself to the limit; it’s about maintaining your consistency. Remember in my wellness journey blog post I mentioned ‘consistency over intensity’ – this is what is important.
Remember, it’s these little adjustments that keep the momentum going. The 10-minute rule can help you during low-energy days and help you build exercise habits that you will stay consistent with.
10. Follow Inspirational Figures
Stay inspired by fitness influencers! Drawing motivation from those you admire can be incredibly beneficial. For me, I love following my favourite Youtuber, Growwithjo. Her Instagram is full of insights and tips, and her workouts are not only enjoyable but effective too. They’re designed with real-life manageability in mind, which makes a huge difference.
On her Instagram, she generously shares not only workout routines but also valuable advice on staying consistent and overcoming low-motivation days.
Fitness/wellness influencers offer daily doses of motivation and fresh workout ideas. Scrolling through Instagram might seem casual, but when you come across their posts, it’s an instant boost. Their content serves as a reminder of your fitness goals and pushes you to get moving. Following these figures is like having a pocket-sized motivational coach, always ready to inspire you, making your fitness journey more enjoyable and successful.
Remember, motivation can vary from day to day, but incorporating a combination of these strategies on how to stay consistent with working out can help you maintain your workout routine during the colder months.
I hope you found these tips valuable!
Make sure to follow my socials – Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Amazon Storefront, and LikeToKnowIt – for more healthy lifestyle content!
Lots of love, Mariam x
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This post was all about how to stay consistent with working out.
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