Training in winter can be an uphill battle, especially when staying under the covers seems more inviting. Sticking to your routine can have a good payoff in the end.
However, there are some common mistakes that people make when exercising in winter which can increase injury and delay any progress. Here are six mistakes to avoid to help you stay in good form.
Not layering your clothes correctly
While you want to remain warm, it is crucial to layer clothes in such a way that you can execute each move comfortably. Make sure you wear layers that can be easily removed as your body heats up. Start with a base layer that will keep the moisture and perspiration off your skin yet still keep you warm and dry. The middle layer will need to be something that has good insulation material to keep you warm. The outer layer can consist of water-resistant material should you want to go outside and prevent a cold gust of wind from entering.
Never skip warm-ups and cool downs
Pace your body through every part of your exercise. Not giving your body enough time to warm-up to get your blood circulating and to make your muscles more flexible can easily lead to injuries. A common mistake people make is to leave out cool-down stretches that can ease your body and relax your muscles because of how cold it gets as you cool down. Your body will thank you for it the next morning.
Forgetting to stay hydrated
Sure, the summer days of sweating up a storm may be gone, but that doesn't mean you don't need to hydrate. Your body is still working hard through each session and will need to be hydrated to keep you going. The bonus that comes with training in winter is that you have a range of hot and cold liquids to choose from to keep you hydrated. Just remember to avoid consuming drinks that have a high sucrose level and refined carbohydrates.
Challenge yourself accordingly
There is such a thing as doing too much which can have a reverse effect on your body. Challenging yourself in winter to go the extra mile or to do an extra set can help keep things interesting. However, it is crucial to listen to your body. Switch things up in your routine by adding some fast-paced cardio or HIT workouts on a few days and alternate with less strenuous workouts like yoga or spending the day stretching and relaxing to help you recover.
Not having a plan for each session
Not having a plan is setting yourself up to fail. Try to map out what you would like to do for each session. Add variety and make sure to schedule your rest days. Not only will this keep you motivated, but it will help you keep track of how close you are to your fitness goal.
Losing track of what you eat
What you consume will determine how far you go with your workout. Comfort eating in winter is common, but it can be the spanner in the works for anyone attempting to stick to their fitness goals. Make sure that you top up on fruits and vegetables that are in season. Loading up on Vitamin C can reduce your chances of falling ill and losing out on nutrients that can keep you going through winter.