February 01, 2018

Winter fitness tips by Roxyfit

How are you all coping with this cold weather? Some of us are braving the cold like Pippa Middleton who was spotted this week with her favourite Sawako helmet. But for many of us, it feels so much easier to hide under a blanket..

Today, we welcome gorgeous Roxanne Ekhaese from Roxyfit as our guest writer. Roxanne used to be a professional tennis player and now she is a personal trainer in NYC. She definitely knows how to stay fit!

She will give you a lot of useful tips to stay active during winter. Read on!

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Worried about staying fit this winter? No worries, don’t panic I have all the tips you need in this blog to get you kick started and to keep you fit this year

Tip number 1. Plan your week ahead

To start off here is tip number one for staying motivated in the winter and it’s a very important one. If there is a favourite gym/group exercise activity you can do before or after work during the week, put that into your diary like you would any other arrangement. Use your weekends for longer workouts that you can do during the day or integrate with other commitments. If you are parents and the kids are older and busy playing rugby, football or tennis, use that time to go for a walk, cycle or run until their game is finished.

When planning your workouts try and find a purpose for them so If its cycling or running to work then make sure you warm up inside by doing some dynamic stretches and exercises to get your heart rate up so by the time your outside your already warm, awake and ready to go.

Roxanne jumping fitness model

2. Tune your alarm.

Rather than a normal, annoying alarm clock, use your iPod or similar device to play specific songs that get you going. It doesn’t need to be your a loud club mix but just something that lifts your mood and energy. This will do wonders for your ability to get out of bed on the first try.

3. Get new work out gear

Very nice workout gear rear shot

I always like to invest in some funky and also practical work out gear at this time of year, it seems to give me that boost to get up and go cycle, run or work out outside. Its like when you buy regular new shoes you can’t wait to get them out and show them off, well running shoes and clothes should make you feel the same way :). It is also a great excuse to hit the shops again.

4. Find a training buddy

Roxanne from Roxyfit with a workout partner

This is one of my favourites specially in the winter time. Find someone who will commit to joining you in the your workouts, and hold you accountable for showing up. Knowing someone is waiting for you to share the pain of the early darkness might be just the stimulus you need to throw back the covers and get out of the house. Knowing I have someone to meet makes my workout way more fun and means I can’t bail out!

Another great idea is to get a group of friends together on either day of the weekend to go on a cycle together, long walk /jog and arrange a park to walk to and then set up a mini circuit you can do at a park near by that you can all do together. Then to follow that go for a delicious healthy brunch place that you can all head to afterwards, this way you can explore lots of different restaurants at the same time ;). Make it more of a social event than thinking “dreaded weekend work out.” When you have work out buddies it makes it so much easier to stay on track and push each other so that no one falls off the wagon.

5. Make it fun

Find sports or activities that you enjoy, then vary the routine to keep you on your toes. If you're not enjoying your workouts, try something different. Join a volleyball or softball league. Check out out different activities in your neighbourhood . Discover your hidden athletic talent.

two fit ladies yoga poses

Remember, exercise doesn't have to be boring, and you're more likely to stick with a fitness program if you're having fun.

6. Make physical activity part of your daily routine

If it's hard to find time for exercise, don't fall back on excuses. Schedule workouts as you would any other important activity.

You can also slip in physical activity throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk up and down sidelines while watching the kids play sports. Take a walk during a break at work. Pedal a stationary bike or do strength training exercises while you watch TV at night.

Research has found that sitting for long periods of time may negatively affect your health, even if you otherwise get the recommended amount of weekly activity. If you sit for several hours a day at work, aim to take regular breaks during the day to move, such as walking to the water fountain to get a drink of water or standing during phone conversations.

7. Reward yourself

After each exercise session, take a few minutes to savour the good feelings that exercise gives you. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise.

External rewards can help, too. When you reach a longer range goal, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or new tunes to enjoy while you exercise.

8. Now try my new work out.

I have put a workout together which is short and sharp which should definitely get you motivated and get you out of those winter blues.

Perform each exercise for 30secs with a 15sec rest in-between each exercise. Repeat circuit 3 times. Check out my IG for more workouts and motivation. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbVHPllnAQ-/?taken-by=_roxyfit_

I hope you have enjoyed my how to stay motivated in the winter series. For motivational, health and fitness tips check out Roxy’s IG page https://www.instagram.com/_roxyfit_/.