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Winter really can be a tough time for training and the short days and mucky weather can be enough to make us hibernate!  Here are some more winter tips that I often give to my Personal Training clients to keep the training levels and motivation high.

Train in a group

For example, joining a local running club or going cycling with others can often be enough motivation to keep you going.  It really can be soul destroying on your todd, and this may be the extra motivation you need, even if you’re afraid to let others down that’s great.

Buying the right gear

Generally, exercise shouldn’t be about all the gear (and no idea) but buying a few winter essentials can make outdoor training more enjoyable.  Winter baselayers will keep the warmth in and keep you dry, a superb option.  Some decent waterproofs help, as well as decent gloves and headgear.

Be flexible with exercise

Check the weather often to choose the best times to get out, but be willing to be flexible.  If it’s chucking it down all morning then see if you can wait til later.  If all else fails have a gym program as a back up.  Remember its your fitness that will benefit come spring next year.

Also see the other article on winter training.  http://www.simonlesser.co.uk/articles/winter-training

Simon Lesser works as  a full time Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist.  He works with a range of clients from a private  gym in Bournemouth, Dorset – for more information call 07748 914368 or visit simonlesser.co.uk

With the summer now well and truly over, thoughts turn to the mucky weather outside and how to train through the wet and windy uk  winter.

Actually, it never really is that bad!  I have seen many people actually start running from scratch in the middle of December.  For many, daylight can be a limiting factor and this is where the gym comes in handy.

The cold months are a handy time to be down the gym doing some resistance work, be it strength work or working on muscular endurance.  Even a simple 20-30 minute routine of weights can make all the difference 2-3 times a week.  The benefits from resistance training can be easily maintained through the rest of the year.

By adapting the training slightly and doing some indoor training you are much more likely to continue, and actually the change in routine is good for the body.  Finding a local circuit training class, spinning or indoor sport such as squash are also recommended.

On those really mucky days, where the thought of going out running or cycling in the rain is too much, simply take the day off.  It’s much better for moral to do it the following day!

Simon Lesser works as  a full time Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist.  He works with a range of clients from a private  gym in Bournemouth, Dorset – for more information call 07748 914368 or visit simonlesser.co.uk