Autumn has arrived which means a sea of red and orange leaves everywhere, crisp mornings and a long(er) lie in at the weekend (or it that just me?) When the colder weather hits it can often take more to get motivated to do those early morning workouts and stay on top of healthy eating; and it’s too easy sometimes to just snuggle up on the sofa with a hot chocolate. Don’t get me wrong, I do love cosy nights in (and hot chocolate) but it’s all about finding a good balance so today I thought I’d share some of my favourite tips on how to stay fit and motivated during the colder months…
1. INVEST IN SOME NEW WORKOUT CLOTHING
One of the largest obstacles during Autumn/Winter is the weather – it’s C-O-L-D. If you stay in the UK or somewhere which experiences pretty cold conditions during A/W then it can be too easy to just use the “it’s too cold for outdoor bootcamp” excuse. Trust me, I’ve used this many a time in the past. To combat this, invest in some new Autumn appropriate workout clothes. Not only will this encourage you to nip out for that early morning jog but it’ll actually make you feel good. I don’t know about you but whenever I invest in some new workout clothing that fits well and looks good it always makes me actually ‘want‘ to workout! I’m actually due a little workout wardrobe refresh and have my eyes on some gorgeous ladies gym leggings from Jack Wills as well as this amazing blush pink hoodie – is this not just me in a hoodie?!
2. TRY SOME HEALTHY AUTUMN RECIPES
For healthy Autumn inspired recipes, Pinterest is your friend! I could scroll through endless yummy healthy recipes on Pinterest for hours and not get bored! Enjoying what you eat is SO important. There’s no way you’ll stick to healthy eating if you don’t enjoy what you’re putting on your plate so check out what fruit and veg are in season (and that you like!!) and try incorporating them into some recipes. Figs and pomegranates are currently two of my favourite healthy snacks and have been helping me spruce up my salads. However if figs and pomegranates aren’t your thing, fear not as there are so many other Autumnal fruits and vegetables to get creative with! I also find BBC good food amazing for Autumnal recipes – this squash and barley salad is next on my ‘to try’ list!
3. LOOK INTO FITNESS CLASSES/TRY SOMETHING NEW
If outdoor classes are your worst nightmare come Autumn/Winter then why not check out some other indoor classes in your local area. It’s so easy to get stuck in a fitness rut which can sometimes make you feel unmotivated and a bit bored of doing the same old thing! As much as fitness is important I also believe you actually need to enjoy doing it for it to work in the long run – if running 10k on the treadmill isn’t your thing then don’t do it! You’ll only end up associating negative thoughts with exercise then you’ll ultimately lose motivation to exercise at all…and that’s not helping anyone! So my tip would be to source out some new and fun classes! It’s all about trial and error, so pick a whole bunch of new classes and try them all out! Who knows you might end up loving them all! Next on my list is hulafit…yes, you guessed right – actual hula hooping! Who said exercise had to be boring eh?!
4. SET SOME GOALS – BUT NOTHING UNACHIEVABLE
For me, setting goals is SO important especially during Autumn/Winter – nothing unachievable; just something to work towards and to keep that motivation up! If this means losing a little bit of weight; trying out at least one new healthy recipe a week; or keeping on top of your 5 fruit and veg a day – great! A goal is a goal, no matter how big or small. I’d also recommend noting everything down in a journal – be that your everyday diary or a journal specifically for health and fitness. If you note things down – dates/times when you’re going to actually exercise or try out that new healthy recipe then you’re more likely to follow through on it. Don’t rely on ‘how you feel’, i,e, Morning Run – “I’ll see how I feel tomorrow”. Nope. Put it in the diary. I.Will.Go.For.That.Run.
And that’s my top 4 tips for staying fit and motivated during the colder months. I’m by no means an expert when it comes to health and fitness but these tips always help get me through so hopefully they might help some of you too!
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Lots of love,
Chantelle xx
This post is in collaboration with Jack Wills. All opinions are my own.
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I definitely need some new workout clothes – I’ve been loving exercising recently but it’s a bit more of a challenge in the cold weather x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
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Yes it definitely is!! x
I’m sure new workout clothes would motivate me to exercise more x
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It really does help motivate me!! x
I come up with sooo many excuses on why I can’t do the gym from oh I need to wash my hair tonight to I really need to catch up on blogging or oh well i’ve left it too late now, tomorrow. I need to get motivated and I actually get soooo motivated by buying new workout gear. Love this post x
http://www.gillmclaughlin.com
Author
I know what you mean, it’s too easy to just put it off until tomorrow especially at this time of year!! I agree, new workout gear always helps motivate me too!! So glad you liked it!! x
I really need to start using some of your tips! I suck at keeping active and fit – I need to start!
Author
The hardest part is starting but once you actually get a schedule and get into a routine it becomes a lot easier!! x
Great tips! I’m looking for some new recipes to try! Xx
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I’m glad you liked them!! Pinterest is amazing for recipe inspo! xx
Love Pinterest for healthy recipe inspo x
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Me too, it’s amazing isn’t!! x
I should start working out, but yeah, it’s too cold for me. I know that it’s not a good excuse, but I just don’t like it! Maybe I need some really good winter workout gear… I just hate going out when it hits under 0C!
Heidi ✨ | Heidi’s Planner
Author
No I definitely hear ya!! Indoor classes are my favourite at this time of year, although I do like a run sometimes when there’s a crispness to the air! A/W appropriate clothing is a must though, I HATE being cold!!! x
Like you said the hardest part is getting started – I’ve yet to start but your tips have really put my mind at ease, also is there anything you do look great in! x
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It really is!! Awww hahah thanks so much…trust me though, there is a lot!! haha x
Such a lovely upbeat post with great photos to match!
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Thanks so much Sharon!! x
Great tips and just what I needed to hear! I was doing so well with the gym but since my holiday it’s been all dark nights and cold weather and I can’t get back into the swing of things!
Author
Aw it’s so difficult, trust me we’re all in the same boat lol!! Once you start you’ll be fine!! x
I’m all for home made soups in the colder months, there is something quite comforting x
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Homemade soup at this time of year is my favourite too! x
New workout gear always inspires me to go to the gym!
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It totally does doesn’t it!!!
This is such a fab post! I love the photos. These tips are so good . I always struggle this time of the year, but always find setting small yet achievable goals are really helpful and give me something to work towards x
Lauren | itslaurenvictoria.blogspot.co.uk
Author
Ah thanks Lauren I’m so happy you like it! This time of year is so difficult, I think we all struggle! Small, achievable goals are definitely the way to go!! x
Awesome tips! I certainly think that new work out clothing always creates motivation to stay fit! 🙂
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