In this month’s blog, we explore the impact of seasonal changes on fitness and discover effective strategies to overcome challenges to help ensure you stay on track and achieve your goals during this transitional period. Our fitness team provide winter training tips to keep you moving throughout the colder months.

Nocturnal Grit: Winter Strength and Fitness As It Gets Darker

Winter Training – Preparing for Cold Weather

As temperatures drop, our bodies can become stiff and prone to injury. To counter this, prioritise staying warm. Whether you’re in the gym or braving the outdoor weather, layer up with sweats, hoodies, or compression gear to ward off the chill and minimize the risk of injuries.

Shorter Days and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

With shorter days, motivation levels may dip, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect energy levels. Combat this by scheduling daytime workouts—a run, a morning gym session, or a lunchtime workout. Not only does this help with motivation, but it also ensures a quieter gym environment. It’s crucial to note that exercise releases endorphins, combating winter blues and boosting
overall well-being.

Boosting Your Immune System with Winter Training

Cold weather and reduced sunlight impact the immune system. Support your immune health by focusing on:

1. Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
2. Hydration: Meet your daily hydration needs.
3. Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
4. Regular exercise, as reiterated, is a key player in cultivating a robust immune system.

Social Connection

Winter’s darker nights and colder weather can lead to feelings of isolation. Combat this by
integrating social connections into your fitness routine:

1. Group Classes: Not just about physical activity, group classes foster camaraderie,
   providing a shared challenge to overcome during the winter.
2. Buddy Workouts: Having a workout buddy offers not only a physical companion but also someone to share life’s challenges and triumphs during the winter months.
3. Virtual Workouts: Explore online fitness communities to stay connected digitally,
   overcoming the limitations of physical distance.
4. Play Sports: Playing sport offers a alternative to the gym and is a great way to keep fit in a social environment. With a range of indoor sports to choose from including, badminton, squash, basketball, football and tennis, Oriam is the perfect place to keep active throughout winter. As a member you’ll get 20% off all Pay As You Play activities (excluding football).

These fitness strategies not only address the physical challenges of winter but also provide a social support system, making the winter fitness journey both enjoyable and rewarding.