We all know the benefits of exercising. It can improve our mood, prevent weight gain, and boost our immunity to help us avoid getting ill.
But with colder weather and shorter, darker days making it ever more tempting to stay inside, it can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise over the winter months. So, you might find it helpful to plan how you’re going to look after yourself during the frosty season.
With that said, why not try these five tips for staying fit and healthy this winter?
1. Workout at home
If you feel like you can’t face a workout outside, or you don’t fancy the walk/drive to the gym, you could consider working out at home instead. Many people do home workouts all year round simply because they enjoy getting their exercise hit in the comfort of their own home.
Not only does working out from home save you time because you don’t have to travel to the gym or spend time getting layered up to go out, but it can also help you save on gym membership costs.
If you’re struggling for motivation, the best way to get moving is to commit to 10 minutes of physical activity a day. Like anything in life, if starting a task feels like a great effort, it can help to break it down into small, manageable chunks. The NHS offers a series of 10-minute equipment-free routines* that you can do at home, which can be a great starting point for people of all fitness levels.
If you fancy more of a challenge, it’s worth looking at some longer or more complex routines online. The NHS also offers exercise videos for beginners* on everything from belly dancing and aerobics to Pilates, so it’s worth exploring your options until you find something that suits you!
We also have articles on staying fit from home and low-impact exercises you can do at home to give you some inspiration. These have plenty of fun and free ways to get your heart pumping from the comfort of your own home, including incorporating exercise into your chores, or trying things like skipping or hula hooping.
You may also be interested in some of the fitness classes available over on Rest Less Events, which include everything from dance and aerobic fitness to yoga and stretching.
2. Make sure you’re getting enough of the good stuff
To keep your immune system working as efficiently as possible during the winter, you’ll need to make sure that you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs. It’s possible to get nearly all of these from your meals, providing that you have a healthy and balanced diet.
Sufficient levels of the following vitamins are often associated with a strong immune system…
Vitamin B6 – good sources include milk, fish, eggs, and bread
Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits, potatoes, and broccoli
Vitamin E – good sources include vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds
Zinc – found in meat, shellfish, and dairy
It’s important to remember that although these vitamins are great for giving your immune system that extra boost, there are plenty of others that are just as crucial for good health and wellbeing.
If you’d like to find out more about what vitamins your body needs and how to incorporate them into your diet, visit the diet and nutrition section of our website.