Fitness: Preparing for Winter Workouts, by Sandra O’Brien

Now that the cooler weather is upon us, it can be more challenging to stay motivated to keep your body moving, and work out instead of watching TV. While flopping on the sofa under a warm blanket seems like a good idea at the time, it does not serve your highest good in the big picture. Maybe the only physical activity you usually get in the cooler months is a little thumb action while channel surfing. Cooler weather brings more clothing, and an opportunity to hide under layers of cloth. But the spring will soon arrive, and you will have to deal with the fallout of neglecting your workouts. You will not be impressed with yourself. “Why did I let myself get this way?” will run through your head as you put on that stunning little spring dress (or, if you’re a guy, that close-fitting T-shirt).

You, and you alone, control your body. Your thoughts, your actions, what you eat and what you drink will dictate how stunning (or not) you look when the clothes dwindle in the warmer months ahead.

Here are a few tips to encourage and support you to stay on track during the cooler months ahead.
• Always prepare your workout clothes the night before. Lay out your gym clothes before you go to bed so they are ready for you in the morning, or put them inside your gym bag if you work out after work. Fill your water bottle the night before. Prepare lunch and snacks the night before. Time can be short in the mornings. Set yourself up for success and be proactive.
• No matter what time of year, you must look at your fitness/health desires from the big picture and work backwards. Know WHY you work out, WHY maintaining a healthy body ratio of fat vs muscle is important to you, WHY you want to have optimum energy levels every day. Then take steps on a weekly and daily basis to support those goals. Knowing your WHY will go a long way towards helping you stay focused. Input your reasons WHY into your smartphone, post them on your desktop and paste them on your fridge. Keep your reasons accessible to see throughout the day to ingrain them into your DNA.
• Drink a minimum of one litre of water for every 50lbs (23kg) of body weight every day. Cooler temps typically mean less water intake for most. Don’t be a statistic. Coffee, soft drinks and energy drinks do not count toward your water intake. Staying fully hydrated plays a major role in fat loss, energy levels, concentration levels and overall health. Do not underestimate the power of water. Drinking hot water with lots of organic fresh lemon juice squeezed in, to taste, is perfect on a cold day. It is alkalizing to the body, good for your organs and tastes great.
• Make homemade soups a main part of your winter meal plan. Veggie based soups with some protein added make a fabulous low calorie, high nutrition meal. You can add chicken, beef, quinoa, beans, lentils, rice to make a hearty meal. You will find many great recipes to your liking when you search the internet. Avoid adding processed boxed or canned items to your soup. Using lots of fresh organic herbs, garlic, onions, and leeks to your soups are not only healthy, but delicious as well.

Until next month, live large, laugh often and shine brightly!
Namaste,
Sandra

Sandra O'Brien Sandra O’Brien is mother to the world’s three most fabulous children. She is also a Law of Attraction Life Coach, Personal Trainer, and Reiki healer. She is creator of the Bootcamp Goddess system, a female fitness program to blowtorch body fat, sculpt sexy lean muscle and empower women everywhere to be the best version of themselves, inside and out. She enjoys the ocean, fire walking, reading, long walks, meditation, men in linen shirts and a full moon.