7 Ways to Stay Healthy, Fit & Motivated This Winter

I don’t know about you guys, but when it comes to Winter, my drive to workout just doesn’t run as strong as the rest of the year. Cold & grey, short days aren’t exactly high on my motivation list, if ya know what I mean!? Since I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this feeling, I thought it would be fun to share some personal tips to help keep you healthy, fit & motivated throughout those dreaded winter months!
Luckily, here in Charlotte, we do have fairly mild winters, and, we get these random 70° days that I absolutely live for & boy do they help get me through the winter, but I know other parts of the country aren’t this lucky when it comes to winter weather and some even have to stick it out all the way up to April – bless you, people. This Florida girl would never survive!
Of course these tips below can be use to stay motivated & on track all year round, so bookmark this post if you like and/or share it with a friend if you know of anyone who might need a little extra FitSpiration! xx

{ 7 Ways to Stay Healthy, Fit & Motivated This Winter }

PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH, WORKOUTS & WELL-BEING
Its so easy to makes excuses & allow everything else on your calendar to take priority causing  your workouts slip by the wayside. Trust me when I say, 1-2 days of missed workouts can very easily turn into 3,4 or 5 missed days and before you know it, you’ve completely fallen off the workout wagon. You absolutely do not want this to happen. Even if its just 30 minutes, allot “me time” in your calendar to ensure you do NOT miss your workout. If you know your the type of person to let your day get away from you and before you know it you have no time/its too late to workout, I highly recommend getting your sweat on first thing in the morning before your day & all your commitments get the best of you.
You will have more energy & feel better all around, as well as be better for others in your life.

THINK OF EXERCISE AS AN APPOINTMENT THAT CANNOT BE MISSED
You wouldn’t miss an important meeting with your boss or team, right!? Give your workouts this same respect. Most likely there will be consequences if you miss an important meeting or deadline at work – think of your workouts in the same way. Consequence of missing workouts?? Poor food decisions, weight gain, less confidence in yourself, clothes not fitting how you want them to, an more…
Schedule your workouts into your calendar just like you would any other appointment! ;) 

FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY
At the end of the day, we know ourselves pretty well. With that being said, if you know your going to have a hard time showing up for your workouts, find a friend, set a schedule and have that friend hold you accountable. Of course, you need to make sure this friend isn’t the type of person to cancel on you and you actually get work done vs. your “workout” turning into social hour.

TAKE A GROUP CLASS VS. SOLO WORKOUT
A group class is a fantastic way to get & stay motivated! Even I have my days where I just don’t feel like going it alone at the gym & need that extra little push! For me, there’s nothing like a fun & fast moving, music-thumping, heart-pumping group class to get me amped up – its a seriously  ahhh-mazing way to get those endorphins flowing! One of my favorite classes is my boxing class at East Coast Fighter. If your local, I cannot recommend this class enough – it is awesome & will challenge you every time! Check out their class schedule, here!

TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME NEW WORKOUT CLOTHES
Cute, new active wear is without a doubt a motivator to get your butt moving! There is just something about getting new workout clothes, right!?  I get so pumped when I get a new pair of sneakers, leggings and/or a couple fun, new tanks! Naturally, you want to look & feel your best in your new gear and the best way to do this is to stay fit & healthy by eating clean, wholesome foods + maintaining a consistent workout routine!

GET OUTSIDE (preferably on a sunny day)
Layer up or really bundle up (depending on just how cold it is where you are) and get outside on a sunny day and put that body in motion!! A power walk, jog, bike ride, whatever you enjoy – just get that blood flowing and try to stay in the sunniest spots! If one side of the street is in the shade & the other is in the sun, you can find me on the sunny side – I literally chase the sun! This is my tricky little way of making myself feel like I’m somewhere warm! (LOL) Am I the only one who does this!? Even if its chilly outside, there’s nothing like fresh air & sunshine, my loves! When you get back inside, you’ll feel all toasty & happy that you got out and got moving. Also, this is just a nice switch up from the gym/studio.

EAT CLEAN & KEEP AWAY FROM PROCESSED CARBS & SUGARS.
I know we’re talking about working out here, but I couldn’t help but include this important tip! If your not already privy to this… food, particularly the unhealthy, processed kind, has a strong connection with how you feel about yourself – physically & emotionally. During the winter months, we naturally shift away from the lighter foods that we crave during the warmer months of the year – fruits, veggies, green smoothies, salads, lean meats – and go towards those comfort foods that often come in the form of processed carbs, sugar & empty calories. Stay on track during the Winter by continuing to eat those light & healthy foods, and, when your craving something warm & cozy, stick with complex carbs like oatmeal, quinoa, lentils, sweet potatoes & such that nourish your body & soul. I promise, come Spring you’ll be much happier with your decision keep.it.clean!

P.S. How fun is this outfit from Track & Field!? They have the best collections of rad tights, tanks, sports bras, long-sleeves & zip-ups! Charlotte readers, if you didn’t already know, we have a store right here in South Park Mall. They also have locations in Miami & New York!
{ Please enjoy 15% OFF your Track & Field Purchase using Code: Lauren }

Much Love,