Let's Fight that Winter Weight Gain
Colder mornings, darker nights, the closer we get to Christmas the easier it gets to find excuses not to make it to the gym, or even out for a short walk!
We tend to take on a “Snuggle up” mentality, we eat more and we do less – human hibernation! But we are not bears, we don’t need layers and layers of fat. And for this reason whilst our overindulgence feels good it also feeds negativity, too much chocolate, too many roast potatoes… the need for a baggier top, the avoidance of the mirror it can be a 12 week spiral and then we hate our spring bodies!
Here are the top 5 reasons to keep exercising when the temperature drops.
1. THE SUN IS MORE OF A FRIEND THAN YOUR HEATER
There’s a reason it’s called the sunshine vitamin. While there are a limited number of foods that can provide your body with vitamin D, the easiest source is from exposure of bare skin to sunlight.
During summer a short exposure of 10-15 minutes is plenty, but in winter, sunshine can be harder to come by, especially if you are snuggled up indoors. So that’s why its VERY important to get outside and get moving and smile at the sun!
Sunshine makes strong bones, and keeps your immune system strong. It can also boost positivity, help prevent high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.
2. KEEP WARM
Save electricity and an expanding waistline by heating your body up naturally with a workout. The rise in your body temperature, during a work out, has a soothing, calming effect on your body, not unlike a long soak in a warm bath or lying in front of the heater.
Yes, its cold when you first step outside, but if you layer up and get moving you will be hot within no time at all!
3. STAY HEALTHY
Research has shown time and again that regular exercise strengthens your immune system so it can fight off bacterial and viral infections. This becomes particularly important in winter when colds and flu rear their ugly heads.
When you exercise and get your blood pumping, immune cells circulate through your body more quickly helping them seek and destroy infections. But this boost only lasts for a few hours, so exercise needs to be regular for long-term effects.
4. BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
Whether it’s the usual winter blues or the more serious SAD (seasonal affective disorder) putting a gloom over the colder months. A daily workout releases feel-good, de-stress brain chemicals, gives you a break from the daily grind and helps ease depression. Plus, if you combine exercise with the great outdoors you can cheer yourself up even more!
We know that after exercise, the brain releases the “feel-good” chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which can help to reduce anxiety and depression while boosting wellbeing,”
45 minutes in the day could change your whole outlook on winter!!
5. AVOID WINTER WEIGHT GAIN
In the colder months it is so easy to turn to comfort food, because it's so satisfying and it makes us feel good, well for a little anyway, and then we feel guilty. Its so easy to become a hibernating bear! No wonder it’s known as the ‘winter weight gain’ period. The average person puts on up to 4 kg! The only way to make up for those added treats is to increase the amount of exercise you’re doing. Try and balance your energy in and energy out then the shredding of clothes in spring wont be such a shock!
Get ahead of the summer shredding this year & keep yourself feeling and looking good over the winter months!
https://livelifegetactive.com/blog/exercise-in-winter/