6 Ways to Stay Fit through Hail, Sleet, Snow
by Jessica Smith, REDBOOK
The mail is supposedly delivered in all weather conditions, so what about your workouts? We asked top experts for their best tips on what to do when old man winter zaps your workout mojo:
1) Too cold? Stay home! With options such as ExerciseTV on Cable on Demand, FitnessClass for your iPad Wii Fit, and exercise DVDs, there is no need to leave the house - and no excuse for not fitting in a workout when you are snowed in. Fire up your preferred technology and you are guaranteed to find your favorite way to break a sweat.
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2) Get a workout theme song. Rocky had a theme song, so why shouldn't you? It sounds corny, but playing it LOUD while you get ready for your workout (even singing and dancing along to it) can really boost your spirits when you are feeling uninspired and get you out the door and moving. (My fave? "Spaceman" by The Killers - gotta love the line "It's all in your mind").
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3) Pick up on visual cues. We are visual creatures, so use that to your advantage! Flip through a new fitness magazine or scroll through a website, or watch some fitness shows on TV to get inspired. "Use the cute workout clothes you see, great bodies and also workouts all as new motivational tools," recommends Exercise TV trainer Cari Shoemate.
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4) 'Set the mood' for motivation. Many of us visit these high end coffee chains daily and happily plunk down $4 for a cup of coffee (which if you think about it, is insane); but their job is provide a relaxing environment with upbeat music and tantalizing aromas, so you don't mind spending extra dough on coffee. And that's the key to making good nutrition and exercise a permanent part of your life says Kate Galliett, Personal Trainer for Barone Spinal Care. Get yourself pumped up for your workout in as many ways as finding a gym or a regular fitness class you feel comfortable in, putting together a killer playlist to listen to while you do your cardio and getting your gym bag together the night before so you're ready to go.
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5) Schedule ahead. Plan all your workouts at least a month in advance. Creating workout "dates" on your calendar really gives your plan priority and structure says fitness expert Tony Horton of FitBie.com. Plug it into your iPhone, Blackberry, or Outlook calendar or write them down on an old-fashioned wall calendar - and honor those dates with the same level of importance as you would a dentist appointment or a dinner date.
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6) Trick out your tracksuit! "Buy yourself some stylish workout gear that makes you look good", suggests Kate Brown, Community Director for Daily Burn. "When you look good, you'll feel good," says Brown. Plus, you'll be much more likely to put on your new gym outfit on those rough days (when its cold out/you are tired/its that time of the month, etc). Better yet? Make it a red one! "If your energy is low and you feel lackluster, then wear red," suggests color intuitive expert Elizabeth Harper. According to Harper, red energizes your system, boosts your confidence and empowers you to action.
Jessica Smith is a certified fitness lifestyle expert and creator of the 10 Pounds Down DVD series.
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photo credit: Scott Markewitz/Getty
