Last Updated on August 15, 2020 by Michael Brockbank
The summer months give everyone a chance to burn calories whether you’re swimming at the lake or playing a few rounds of golf. But when the summer comes to a close, there are several things that can slow down your fitness regimen. Between colder temperatures and the seemingly-endless barrage of holidays, it can be difficult to stay fit. Here is how you can keep the figure you created for the summer through the most difficult months of the year.
What Can You Do to Stay Fit?
Even though the summer is winding down, you don’t have to plan on pulling the fat pants out of the closet. In fact, there is no reason why you can’t keep up with good fitness. Even when chocolate goodies are in your face, you can still hold your own from a healthy perspective.
Start Home Exercise Routines
There is a plethora of ways you can stay fit when exercising at home. Although you probably won’t get the same workout as swimming, you can still work on those muscle groups through various exercises. If you’re able to get to a gym, and are dedicated, you may want to consider home workouts as well. Cold temperatures slow the body’s metabolism.
In essence, humans prepare themselves for hibernation like virtually all animals on Earth. When the cooler months begin, the body starts creating additional fat. This is a genetic response to climates which helps animals maintain bodily functions through the winter. Human insulin resistance increases causing the body to convert foods differently. Keeping yourself in motion can help offset the body’s natural process of storing fat for the winter.
This is one of the biggest reasons why I am such a fan of the XBox Kinect. Even if there is three feet of snow covering my driveway, I can still get in a great workout playing tennis while wearing weighted gloves.
Closely Monitor Food Intake
Because the body is going to be creating more fats, you’ll need to start paying closer attention to what you eat. Personally, I use MyFitnessPal to track all of the things I put into my body.
If you want to stay fit, pay attention to portion sizes. This is especially difficult for a lot of people during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Remember, an entire bag of candy at Halloween does not a serving make. Watch the amount of sugars and carbs you’re putting into yourself during this time of the year.
Get the Most Out of Yard Work
As the fall months approach, there is a ton of yard work that can be done. Instead of viewing these things as mundane and dreadful chores, view the work as a form of excellent exercise. It’s amazing how certain activities can take on a whole different appearance if you change your mindset about them.
Raking leaves, putting plastic on the windows, preparing the AC unit and much more can all be used as a form of exercise. In a way, I’m looking forward to shoveling some snow. Any physical activity is going to benefit your health regardless of the season.
Keeping the Right Mentality
A lot of people will put fitness aside for the winter months because they don’t think they can keep trim. Granted, there are a number of difficult aspects to contend with such as holiday eating and the assortment of amazing foods. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up your ability to stay fit.
Keeping the right mindset throughout the winter is going to be difficult for many. For me, it’s damn near impossible. It’s a testament to your own convictions and determination for fitness. Believe you can keep yourself from gaining too much weight and take each day one at a time. Don’t focus on trying to make it until next spring. Watch what you’re eating and make sure you have enough activity today.
Get Active in Winter Sports
Summer isn’t the only time of the year when you can be active in sports. There are a number of activities you may be able to participate in around town that are conducive to stay fit. Trade your golf clubs for sneakers for some indoor basketball. Perhaps joining a bowling league can keep you active until next spring. The point is there are many indoor sports that can help you keep that physical edge. You don’t want it to get dull over the winter.
Don’t forget, you can also hit the slopes or take the kids out tubing down a snow-covered hill. Ice skating, hockey and even football take on a whole new level of fitness when playing in the snow.
Buy a Few Pieces of Personal Fitness Equipment
Last winter, I picked up a pair of Gold’s Gym weighted gloves. It made a huge difference in my home exercise routine. If you have a few extra dollars to spend, it may not be a bad idea to pick up a few items from the fitness isle at Walmart.
Now before you decide to buy some fitness equipment, you need to prepare yourself for what you’re investing in. I know a lot of people who spend thousands of dollars on equipment only to use them once or twice in the past 12 months. If you’re going to buy gear, make sure it’s something you plan on using regularly.
The weighted gloves I just mentioned are always on my hands when playing the XBox Kinect. I use my yoga mat two or three times a week as well. I don’t use my resistance bands as much as I’d like, but I plan on including more work with those in the coming weeks. You don’t want to spend good money on something you’re not committed to using.
It All Centers Around Your Determination to Stay Fit
As the winter months creep ever closer, now is not the time to give up on fitness. On the contrary, now is the time you want to reserve yourself for success. It often takes people a great deal more effort to keep themselves from gaining weight during the last few months of the year. Don’t let your guard down as you can easily put back on everything you lost over the last few months.
As the summer comes to an end, there are many things that can jeopardize your ability to stay fit. However, you can remain true to yourself and refrain from adding pounds back onto your body. Find ways to keep you moving this winter and make a New Year’s Resolution other than “losing weight.”
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