How to Stay Motivated in the Cold Weather

The cold weather is here and it seems like the last thing anyone would want to do is exercise. But even though exercising in the winter can be difficult, there are some tips for staying motivated and sticking with your workout plan.

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Here are some tips on how to motivate yourself:

1. Make a realistic plan

Before you go out and sign up for a marathon, sit down with your calendar and plan out a workout schedule that is going to be realistic for you. Going from zero workouts a week to a marathon a week isn't going to work. Maybe plan on working out twice a week at first and then slowly transitioning into more if you want.

2. Figure out what exercise you like

If you hate running, don't make it your primary form of exercise. You'll probably get burned out on it quickly and quit altogether. Try finding some activities that you enjoy doing. Workout DVDs are a great way to go. Or if you can afford it, hiring a personal trainer who knows your preferences/limitations is a great way to keep you from getting bored.

3. Reward yourself

It's important to reward yourself for your hard work. If you've been sticking with your workout plan, treat yourself at the end of your month or week by going out to eat or buying a new pair of shoes.

4. Dramatize your thoughts

Sometimes it's hard to motivate yourself to get up and go exercise. One way to trick yourself into going is by dramatizing your thoughts about working out. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you're sexy and hot while thinking about why you want to work out (for example, because you want a higher metabolism so you don't gain weight as easily).

5. Make it something you HAVE to do

Exercise doesn't have to be fun all the time. And because of that, sometimes we just don't feel like doing it. Well there's a way to trick yourself into doing what you're supposed to without making it "fun". Turn exercise into something you HAVE to do. For example, tell yourself that you need to exercise in order to do the laundry or finish your homework or get food for dinner.

6. Start slow

Don't overdo it when you're working out in the wintertime. If you start too fast and try to run three miles on day one of your workout plan, you're probably going to be very sore the next day and not want to return for more. Start slow by walking at first. Then transition into jogging for a bit before returning back to walking again.

7. Get your family involved

If you have kids, get them involved in things like bike riding or playing outside. Or maybe you have a dog that needs to be walked. If you can, get your family involved in exercising together!

8. Exercise indoors

There are plenty of ways to stay active even when it's cold out. You can go swimming or play indoor sports like basketball or soccer with your friends.

9. Warm up before you work out

Before heading outside to run in the cold, be sure to warm up thoroughly. Jumping jacks, pushups and crunches are great ways to get your blood pumping and avoid injuries due to poor circulation.

Don't give up! Just make it through the first week or two of your routine and you'll be in shape before you know it.

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