At this time of year, it’s only natural to want to go into a bit of a hibernation-style state. If you find yourself craving more carbs, wanting to wrap up warm, and get to bed earlier, you’re not the only one. It’s something we all naturally do as soon as the clocks go back. But that can often lead to us forgetting all about our health and fitness goals and completely falling off track! And as soon as spring comes around, we wonder just why we let that happen. But we don’t have to.
Right now, you could actually be working on improving your body and getting it ready for spring. This doesn’t mean you have to be on a strict diet, or even make any negative changes, instead, you can work on improving your body for the better to get yourself ready and into shape ahead of summer next year.
Slow Everything Down
Chances are, you’ve had a pretty hectic summer. Because we all want to look and feel great during the warmer months, we tend to work on some intense exercise regimes all through spring and summer. But at this time of year, you can definitely slow it down a bit. Do more yoga, or swim, or even walk. You’re likely to have less energy now that it’s darker and colder, so preserve it and slow down instead.
Get Some Sleep
You’re also going to want to think about getting some more sleep too. There’s a reason why we feel like hibernating in winter, because it’s what our bodies want us to do! So go with it. Let your body heal and let your mind switch off by resting a little more too. You’ll find that you have more energy each day, and feel refreshed for spring too.
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Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated all throughout the year, but it can often feel so much more essential in winter. The coldness just seems to dry us all out somehow. So, you’re going to want to work on staying hydrated in a range of different ways. Be conscious of the fluids that you’re drinking, keep your skin hydrated, and continue to eat water-rich foods such as watermelon and cucumber where you can.
Work On Your Meal Plans
Next, you’re going to want on getting your meals right too. Even though you may feel like eating more, try to counteract that. Whether you want to work out how to measure ketosis if your goal is fat burning, or how to bulk if you want to grow, figure it out now. Work on a personalised meal plan for your own goals, that can improve your metabolism ahead of spring, and ensure that you stay nourished and on track throughout winter.
Cheat A Little
But don’t be too hard on yourself. It is winter after all, and it’s only natural for your body to want to eat more and store some fat away. Just be wise with how you up your carbs. Cheat meals are great for this. They can allow you to shake up your diet, satisfy your cravings, and jumpstart your metabolism. And because you’re not going too wild with your food, you shouldn’t fall off the wagon either.
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Build Muscle
This time of year is also perfect for building muscle. Yes in spring you want to diet down a little bit and feel much more trim and toned for summer, but winter is ideal for building more muscle. And to do that, you can’t be dieting. So feel free to eat a little more and fuel your workouts. Now is the time to do it. And when summer comes around, you’re going to feel glad that you did it, as your shape starts to transform.
Feed Your Skin
We all know that winter can wreak havoc on your skin, but you don’t have to let it. You can ensure that you work with your skin to keep it in check, even when it’s super cold outside. Just continue to eat all of your favourite foods that promote healthy skin and you’ll be fine.
Rest It Out
Just like you’re going to want to slow it all down, you’re going even going to want to stop at times too. Rest days are super important if you want your body to heal. So take days off. And don’t forget to stretch, roll out your muscles with a foam roller, and have lots of warm baths too. After all, wasn’t winter made for pampering as well as healing?
