Waking up early and getting out into the cold to do some exercise is a challenging task. This is true even for the most motivated of people. However, when the temperature drops in the winter months it can be all the more difficult to motivate yourself to get going. This makes it awfully tempting for many people to hand up their running shoes when the cold arrives. Unfortunately this leads to them being wracked with guilt at not working at their fitness goals. The truth is that it might be even more important to get active this winter by, for example, taking a Pilates course. If you don’t believe us, here are a few very good reasons why you should.
1. It Will Keep You Social
It can be difficult to motivate yourself and those around you to get active together in winter. This is why group activities such as a Pilates course are great for maintaining personal connections throughout the winter
2. You Need That Vitamin D
The stark lack of sunshine, which is an unfortunate by-product of staying indoors, is stopping you from getting enough vitamin D (from sunlight) in your system.
Vitamin D is responsible for generating strong bones, lowering blood pressure, strengthening your immune system and regulating your moods. Because of this, you should be spending between 10 and 15 minutes a day in the sunshine to get enough of this vitamin. Just one good reason to get out there for a frosty morning jog!
3. Strengthen Your Immune System
Winter time is the season for colds and flu. If you’re the sort that gets laid up every year by illness, then you would benefit the most from winter exercise. Activity helps keep your immune system strong which makes you more resistant to infections and illnesses.
A strong mind-body connection is essential to keeping bugs at bay. A Pilates course is just the thing to help this happen. Says Dr Melinda Ratini:
“If you are looking to strengthen your abdomen and pelvis as well as maintain good posture, then Pilates is for you. It also has a strong mind/body connection so you may like it if you enjoy yoga but need a more intense core workout.”
So, if you are looking for a way to beat the flu this year, start by getting more exercise and join a Pilates course!
4. A Pilates Course Will Keep A Smile On Your Face
Staying active in the cold months will help you shake off those winter blues. Sticking with it will keep them at bay. A lack of activity and sunshine makes the winter months a bit of a depressing time for many people. This means that you need to get out there and stay active to keep yourself from falling into winter moodiness.
5. It Will Make You Feel Better In Summer
Maintaining a rigid workout routine all-year-round will make it easy to maintain your body composition throughout the year. Instead of letting your body fall to the ravages of winter despair, and then working extra hard to try and get it all back again once the sun comes out, why not rather practise consistency to make things easier for you at a later stage.
Remember To Eat Right
Now that we’ve convinced you that exercising in winter in a must-do, supplement this by eating healthily. To maintain a healthy diet, vary what you eat and ensure that you take in enough from each of the various food groups.
Vitamins and minerals – such as those found in oranges, grapefruit and naartjies – are incredibly effective at fighting cold and flu. So make sure that you up your intake of these types of fruits so that you stay healthy and keep up with your workout routine!
You should also be eating , says registered dietitian Janice Baker, a lot more:
- Brussel sprouts,
- Pomegranates,
- Cinnamon,
- Beef,
- Kiwi fruit,
- Persimmons,
- Dungeness and snow crab,
- Cabbage, and
- Sweet potatoes.
For more detailed information about nutrition and the different food groups, watch this video:
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