How to motivate yourself to workout during the winter months

Mustering up motivation to workout in winter is like trying to stay away from a glass of wine on a Friday night – it’s almost impossible.

Not only is it darker in the mornings and evenings but it’s also miserably cold outside and our couch and blanket are calling us to sit down and have a cup of tea and some chocolate.

But as we all know, working out is good for both the body and mind so staying on track with fitness is important during the colder months.

According to fitness guru and Nivea x Jaggad collection ambassador, Laura Henshaw, keeping motivated in winter is all about being prepared and rewarding yourselves afterwards.

“My first tip is to prepare the night before and get it done early the next morning,” Laura told Yahoo7 Be.

“I like to have my workout clothes and runners next to my bed so all I have to do in the morning is put them on and off I go.”

The 24-year-old also recommends planning your workouts well in advance so you ensure you’re motivated for the week ahead

“I like to sit down and write my schedule out for the week on a Sunday night,” she said.

Laura, who is the co-founder of online fitness program, Keep It Cleaner, said to remember to reward yourself whenever you reach your goals.

“I don’t mean splash out by buying a cake but it could be a new outfit or a massage – whatever makes you feel good and to remind yourself of the good work you’re doing,” she said.

When it comes to eating healthy when the rain is pouring down outside, Laura said to always start your morning off with something ‘filling and nutritious’.

“I like to sauté spinach with some coconut oil and serve it up with some eggs and salmon or have a big green protein smoothie if I feel like something sweet,” she said.

As for lunch, the fitness junkie said she likes to keep things simple with with a big, green leafy salad with chicken or tuna or the Feed Me Bowl from her own plan.

“I always feel like something sweet at 3pm and I will have one of our Choc Cherry protein bars or bliss balls,” she said.

“And finally, for dinner, I always mix it up but at the moment I am loving grilled fish with Greek salad or sticky chicken with garlic broccoli & brown rice.
“When I get hungry after dinner, I love to nibble on some dark chocolate and a tea, or some Greek yoghurt and berries.”

Laura said she doesn’t worry about trying to sneak in a cheat meal but she is a ‘sucker for hot chips’.

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