Is your resolve to get in shape starting to fade? You are not the only one. According to a new study, 67% of women say they exercise less in winter. There are many reasons why our fitness level decreases when the temperature drops. But there are also simple ways to stay on track. Here’s what you need to know about why we exercise less in the winter. And how to fight against the drop in diet. I’ll be honest, I’m part of the 67%. As soon as the weather changes, my motivation collapses. I find it harder to get out of bed to train in the morning, and after a long day at work, I just want to curl up on the couch with a glass of wine (or three). Sound familiar?
There are many reasons why our fitness takes a hit in winter. First of all, it’s just harder to get motivated when it’s cold and dark outside. And let’s face it: hibernating over a Netflix or HBO marathon and comfort food is way more appealing than running in December! But there are also physiological factors at play. When exposure to cold causes our body temperature to drop, we naturally become more sedentary as our bodies try to conserve energy.
Certainly, a recent study comes to announce this superb news.
According to a recent study, ten minutes of exercise a day is enough to stay in shape during the winter and benefit from its beneficial effects on mental health. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, found that even short bursts of physical activity can have a significant impact on overall fitness levels. Additionally, research has shown that exercise can help improve mood, fight the winter blues, and reduce stress levels. With the cold weather and shorter days of winter, it can be tempting to stay indoors and avoid physical activity. However, this new research indicates that one can reap significant benefits by getting out and being active for a few minutes each day.
So how do you fight against these winter slumps? Here are seven expert-backed tips.
- Enjoy your lunch break, even if it’s just to walk around the block.
- Pick up your children from school, do your shopping or other daily activities on foot.
- Sign up for an exercise class with friends or colleagues to hold each other accountable.
- Set aside time each week to plan your workouts so you have no excuse not to do them.
- Invest in comfortable gym clothes to have fun dressing for exercise!
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Prioritize indoor sports.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to staying fit all year round, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you!
The Top 4 fun Indoor sports to practice in 10 minutes.
Dance :
Just ten minutes of dancing can have a profound effect on your health. First, it can help improve your cardiovascular fitness. Dancing is a great way to get your heart pumping and increase your overall aerobic capacity. In addition, it can also help strengthen your bones and muscles. By working against gravity and increasing your body’s range of motion, dance helps keep your bones healthy and strong. Finally, it remains among the activities that evacuate stress and improve your mental health. When you dance, your brain releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
The exercise bike:
Most people think they have to hit the gym for hours to see results. However, recent research has shown that even a short bout of exercise can have significant health benefits. For example, a 10-minute ride on the stationary bike can help improve heart health, boost energy levels, and reduce stress. Additionally, it can also help boost brain capacity and memory.
Jumping rope :
Ten minutes of skipping rope is enough to get a whole host of health benefits. First of all, it’s a great cardio workout. Jumping rope gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe hard, which is a great workout for your heart and lungs. It is also an optimal way to burn calories. A 10-minute session of jumping rope can burn over 100 calories, which is beneficial for losing weight or keeping it off. In addition, jumping rope helps improve coordination and balance. The constant need to time your jumps and land smoothly on your feet demands split-second precision, hence its importance in honing your motor skills.
Pilates:
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels. One of the main benefits of Pilates is that it helps improve posture. 10 min of Pilates is enough to promote better alignment and reduce tension on the spine. As Pilates has been shown to improve flexibility and increase range of motion. This can help prevent injury, both in daily life and during other forms of exercise. If you’re feeling stressed and need a way to unwind, Pilates is among the most comforting indoor sports.
