Winter Is Coming

Winter Is Coming

Winter is coming and this time of year always becomes and interesting one. For many their summer fitness challenges have been and gone and for others the new years resolution to get fit this year is a distant memory. It can be a bit of a murky time, a time of limbo, not really knowing what you are aiming for. For others it's a time of reflection, maybe some down time and potentially time for planning what comes next. It's also a time where, if we are not careful, where all of the positive steps made up until now can disappear very quickly, launching you into the new year, new me cycle.  There are of course those who are smashing their goals and continue to - go you!!

Combine that murky time in terms of goals with the obvious change in the weather. Darker, colder and potentially wetter mornings undoubtedly make it more difficult to get up in the mornings. The prospect of scraping ice off the car or tiptoeing down icy streets is edging ever closer as well, meaning any positive morning habits can be in real danger. The darker evenings make it even easier to stay in after work as well… the pull of the warm sofa becomes even bigger as the nights draw in.

So now we have talked about all the reasons why you could understandably be struggling right now what would I say are the top ways to make sure that trap doesn't get fallen into:

1. Get sunlight and fresh air

It could be as simple as a lunchtime walk, never forget the benefit of simply getting a good amount of steps per day in has for your overall health! Outside of it getting darker it's also beautiful time of year. Embrace the fact that it's easier to catch a sunrise on a morning run or walk. That the leaf's crunch under your feet and that there is going to be something warm waiting for you when you get home. Whilst some people love a beer garden, a winter walk followed by a pub roast by a fire - sign me up!! On the note of sunlight us brits generally don't get enough Vitamin D from October through until March so this is a great supplement to add to your diet (This is a recommendation from the NHS).

2. Talk To Your Coaches And Get Invested In Your Programming By Setting Micro - Goals

For those who don't know, good programmes are planned in cycles. Whether that is programming in a CrossFit Affiliate or with your PT there should always be a method to the madness (Remember there is a vast difference between 'Constantly Varied' and 'Random'!). Chat to your coaches so that you can understand what the short term goals of your programming are, it could be a strength goal, skill acquisition or barbell cycling as examples. Whatever it is knowing it and getting booked into the sessions that focus on it specifically is really going to help motivate you and hopefully give you a bit of a boost.

3. Find Your Rhythm

Most people do well when they are in a set rhythm and training cadence. We often get hung up on one that has worked before or that has worked recently. There is a reality that as the seasons, goals and us as people change our ideal rhythm does as well. Don't be afraid to shake the rhythm up and find what fits into these winter seasons. Maybe it's workouts at lunchtime rather than 6am, maybe its working out more at weekend mornings in the daylight and having a bit more of a lay in during the week. Maybe it’s a different type of training. Talking about different types of training…

4. Try Something New

Following on from a new or different rhythm, it could be adding something completely new into the mix. Maybe it's swimming once a week, trying some new running routes, trying some new skills or sports - for you CrossFit Fanatics never forget that part of our new mantra is 'try new sports' (https://a-crewandy.wixsite.com/a-crew-coaching/post/the-forgotten-part-of-crossfit). It often gets forgotten but it a vital part of what we should be encouraging people to do. New challenges and experiences can keep things fresh.

5. Get Around People

Find reasons to be get around people, whether that is getting yourself booked into classes, going to the gym social events or hanging out with people before or after class. A friendly 5 minute chat can genuinely be the difference between a good day and a bad day! Putting yourself in positions where that can happen organically can only be a good thing!!!

Winter is coming whether we like it or not (In the UK anyway or unless you are someone who chases the sun all year!) Whatever you do don't let that throw you off, accept it, plan for it, adapt where you need to and keep the good times rolling!

Andy