Our fitness columnist Frankie Holah gives her tips for winter training in Brixton
As you’re reading this you’re probably on the tube (is the person next to you reading over your shoulder?), sat in a cafe (maybe Rosie’s?) drinking a coffee, or curled up at home on the sofa…And it’s probably pretty nippy and/or dark outside… am I about right?
As the winter months close in and the days get shorter, darker and colder, it is very easy to get de-motivated when it comes to training, especially if you’re outside. In the morning that snooze button gets pushed and after a long day at work that session you planned in the park is looking less likely…
Even as a PT, leaving my cocoon of goose feather warmth at 6am can be as much of a struggle for me, and training is my love and my job… Because of said chosen job I am outdoors most of the day in all weathers training myself and clients (the wind and rain across Brockwell Park is no joke) and this has made me think carefully about how I can encourage you lovely readers to keep up the training even if the time of year and weather is against you…
So here are my ideas for staying motivated during the winter months and hopefully help you avoid that pesky January 1 panic…
Get the right kit: It makes all the difference, really! I recently purchased a coat which will probably be what keeps me alive this winter – If you’re cold or wet you’re not going to enjoy what you’re doing. Invest in a good base layer and build from there. It doesn’t need to cost you the earth and it’s a great opportunity to bag yourself some new kit. 2. Join a club, group or get a PT – Whether you’re new to training or a fitness bunny, this is a great way to get into it alongside other people who are also out training hard in the winter. Whether it’s running club (Brixton Blog *cough cough*), boot-camp, or private sessions, you benefit from encouragement and company – great incentives to keep going back regularly. It is also a nice safety blanket when it’s dark.
Play: Yes, play… We don’t do enough of it and forget to have fun with fitness. It’s not all reps and sets you know! This winter, find time to try something new which challenges you, scares you or is simply something you’ve always wanted to try…Out of your month take a week to experiment. Parkour, calisthenics, gymnastics, aerial yoga or something as simple as a game of football with friends… whatever it is just go and move and enjoy. Don’t think about anything but what you’re doing right then and there… Be imaginative!
Post workout treats: Not that you shouldn’t do this in the summer too, but in the winter, that bubble bath, that massage, that delicious dinner after training just feels and tastes so much better when you’ve come back in from in the cold. Skin and joints get hit hard in the cold too, so don’t forget to soak, rub and eat… On the winter training note, I’m off to the park…if you spot me in a seriously snuggly coat and trademark bright leggings give me a wave.
I’d love to see your training snaps – Tag me @frankieholah and #frankieswinterwarriors
If you have any questions please contact me at frankie@frankieholah.com
