Overcoming a fitness hibernation

Happy Valentine’s Day!

In Amsterdam right now we are slowly coming out of the shortest days, but it is still dark and cold. For some, it still feels like a time of hibernation where it can be a bit more difficult to motivate yourself to train. As I have mentioned before, I don’t often attract new clients during the New Year resolution craze. I am more likely to see new clients come in at the end of this colder, darker period. I think people come out of the winter with some motivation and spring in their step and want to take advantage of this feeling to get going again.

If you are having some difficulty getting into training or back into training in the winter months here are three tips to get you going.

Tip #1: Exercise snacks

Short bursts of exercise, think 1-2 minutes, a few times a day has shown to be beneficial to health. Examples of this are running up the stairs, speed walking bursts during a walk, air squats in the kitchen, and getting the skipping rope out. In the photo collage below you can see me demonstrating a few of these moves. Here’s a recent article from the BBC about the benefits of these “activity microboosts”.

Tip #2: Set a goal

In my case, I am motivated to train by having something in the diary to train for such as a triathlon or a running race. At the end of January I competed in Hyrox and that was a good motivation to train hard in the gym. Other examples of this would be an obstacle race, training camp, dance congress, or another sporting competition. Read here an old blog about clients of mine using goals to motivate them to train.

Tip #3: Sign up for a training course or sports club

This could include a six-week week dance course, a learn-to-swim course, or a running club. Something to get you out of the house and hold you accountable to show up. I have written similar blogs in the past so for even more tips look here:

Managing winter blues

How to stay motivated during cold weather

Making fitness goals

Final thoughts: Valentine’s Day

Today is Valentine’s Day. Last year we did a social media competition to find out what sport you are in love with. You can see it here and read the blog post here.

My love is still for the long, slow run. What is your favourite sporting moment that you’d have a Valentine’s date with?