Don't let your fitness drop in the winter - Here's how.

The cold winter months can come with a number of factors that may affect your fitness levels and weight gain. Shorter days/dark evening mean that the time to train is limited, particularly for safety reasons when usually running in parks. The weather, that is often wet and cold can literally dampen your motivation to get out and train. The party season, which seems to begin with Halloween and carries right through until the New Year, can mean that food and alcohol consumption is generally higher than normal. Plus, time and motivation to train is often affected.
However, to avoid the seasonal weight gain and drop in fitness levels and maintain all of the work that you have put in during the summer months, follow our top tips and the winter will not be all dull and gloom!

Train in the morning - If you usually run in the evening, switch to mornings which are much lighter, and you can avoid the days events/weather putting you off. Just set your alarm and get out the door before you have time to think about it!!!

Embrace the rain - Invest in some quality waterproof clothing and don't use the rain as an excuse; once you are out in it you will find it surprisingly invigorating.

Combat the cold wearing layers - Just as investing in waterproof clothing is a must, so is ensuring that you have some quality layers for training in. Next to skin materials are ideal, in several layers. Layering ensures that you won't overheat as you can remove layers as you inevetably warm up during the session.

Train in the house - You don't even need to venture outdoors. You can do your circuit training sessions in the comfort of your own home. You can do high intensity circuits which will ensure that you not only maintain body tone and condition, but also that you maintain cardiovascular fitness.

Be dedicated and workout before and after the party - During the party season, split your sessions down so they are shorter and find time to train before you go out and the morning after. This will help the hangover and help to avoid fat storage which follows a night of sugar laden alcohol and mince pies!

Essentially, don't use the winter as an excuse. You may need to alter your usual training programme, but you certainly don't need to stop it, or tone it down. Remind yourself of how good you have felt in the summer months and be committed to maintaining your fitness and figure the year round.