10 Tips for keeping motivated during the winter months.

It’s that time of year around here again.  The air is getting cold outside. Under the covers on my bed seem more and more appealing every morning.  Tis the season for big meals and lots of baking and booze.  For me, this is the hardest time of the year to keep up with consistent exercise and training.  

Here are 10 motivation techniques to keep moving through the winter.

1. Set Goals for next year

Don't have any goals yet!?  What are you waiting for?  Get ready for next year’s resolutions.  Set a weight goal, a fitness goal, Scope out races for next year.  Give yourself something to work towards.  If you need help coming up with some new goals, checkout my post on Goal Setting.

2. Focus on your goals.

Remind yourself why you are working out.  What are you training for next year?  Post your goals in places where you will see them every day.  Keep them in mind as you work out.  Remind yourself that there is a reason for your madness.   

3. Sign up for Races

While you ultimate goal may be that Olympic triathlon next July, signing up for intermediate races in the mean time can be both a great way to stay focused on working out by setting a short term goal to work towards.  You can also use these races as a measure of how you are progressing toward that final goal.   

Beginnertriathlete.com race finder

Active.com Race Finder

4. Easy on the Booze

Hangovers equal a bad workout (at best) - likely a missed workout.  I just recommend planning for the after effects of the Holiday office party.  The day after might be a good time to plan a "rest" day into your weekly routine.  And of course the obligatory community service announcement - Celebrate responsibly and Don't Drink and Drive!

5. Easy on the junk food

It is very easy to go overboard on the sweet stuff in the winter.  All the extra cookies, cakes and pies - mmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it.  Just because it is there doesn't mean you have to eat it. 

5b. But, remember to eat junk food too

It is ok to celebrate the seasons with a little holiday food.  But wait... Didn't I just say to ease off the junk food?  It is ok to allow yourself some cheat time with the diet.  If you are staying consistent with your workouts, eating a few extra cookies won’t ruin your progress - and it might just keep you sane.  If everyone is eating Christmas cookies and drinking eggnog and you are over in the corner nibbling on carrots and celery sticks, you might start to feel a little bitter.  Go ahead and indulge a bit.  

6. Ask for new cool gear from Santa Clause

I admit it, I'm a geek when it comes to new gear.  Once I get something, I have to go and try it out right away.  So ask your honey for some new shoes, or that new Heart Rate Monitor you’ve been eyeing up - whatever it will take to get you moving.  

7.  Be flexible with your workout schedule

The weather sometimes may limit your outdoor activity or you ability to get to the gym.  Have a backup plan.  Do a workout at home.  Get on your treadmill or have POWER 90 or  P90X at the ready.  Don't let the weather be an excuse to not work out at all.  

8. Continue to record your progress

You can find motivation in seeing your progress, even in the off season.  See yourself getting closer to your goals.

9. Keep talking

Keep telling everyone what you are doing.  The more you talk about it, the more people you tell what your goals are, the more motivated you will be to keep them.  Why does this work?  Mainly because of guilt... but it works, so use it.  Plus, I find that the more people I talk to about what I'm doing, the more they get involved.  It is a great motivator to see people take up exercise because you inspired them.  Maybe you can convince someone to do a race with you in the next couple of months, or pick up a new training partner.  

10. Put your stuff on and get going

It gets harder to tell yourself no once you are dressed for the workout.  Get your gear on, and get moving!

Do you have any special motivation techniques you use to keep yourself going in the winter months?  I would love to hear them.  Feel free to share.