Top tips for staying active in winter
In the colder months it can be tempting to stay indoors and do less exercise than you might in the warmer months of year. However, staying active during the winter has many benefits for your physical and mental health.
Pack extra layers in your kit
If you’re exercising outdoors, it’s important to wear enough layers to keep you warm. Base layers like thermal vests and leggings made of ‘moisture wicking’ materials designed to retain body heat and move sweat away from the skin to the other side of the fabric are great for outdoor exercise. Any exercise clothes that you already own that dry quickly (so that you aren’t left feeling too cold) are also handy, as are waterproof jackets in case of wet weather, and shoes with good grip to reduce your chances of slipping.
If you’re exercising outside, it’s also a good idea to wear an outer layer of clothing that is a light colour, or ideally includes some reflective materials, so that you can be easily seen for your safety.
Wrap up warm
Depending on how cold the weather is, it may be a good idea to consider wearing items like a warm hat, scarf, and gloves to help ensure you’re keeping yourself warm while exercising outside in the winter.
It’s also important to be aware that people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, who are planning to exercise in cold temperatures, are encouraged to speak with their doctor first for support and advice.
Stick to a routine
Creating and sticking to a routine are crucial parts of forming a habit, whether that’s during the warm or cold months of the year! Try to set a realistic plan of when and where you are going to exercise, and make sure you choose a range of activities that you think you’ll enjoy to help keep your routine feeling fun and varied, to motivate you to keep going with it. Before you begin, ask yourself whether the plan feels achievable and sustainable – the aim is to set yourself up for success.
Plan exercise with friends
Including friends in a plan can be a great way to keep motivated and stick to a routine. It gives you the opportunity to encourage each other and you may find yourself feeling more determined to head outside to exercise if you know that your friend is joining you and is looking forward to spending time with you, even if it is a bit cold out there! Having the company of friends or family with you, especially when it’s slightly darker outside, can be a good idea to help you feel safer when exercising outside.
Try a new activity
Signing up to a new activity could also help encourage you to get active during winter. Head to the ‘Get active’ page to discover a wide range of activities you may not yet have tried and consider researching local classes or sports teams that meet during the winter months. Check out our Sport and exercise page too, for more inspiration from the Big Sisters.
Consider indoor/online classes
If the cold weather is putting you off exercising outside, remember there are plenty of ways to get active indoors! The Places Leisure Locker app offers a variety of free at-home workouts or you could visit our ‘Get active’ page which includes links to a range of other opportunities for indoor exercise, such as online yoga videos.
Start your journey
Ready to get started? Take a look at how Big Sister can help you navigate your journey through exercise and puberty with free resources and information on activities in your area.