Discovering the drive to exercise during winter can be challenging, especially when the chilly weather dampens motivation. Even dedicated fitness enthusiasts may struggle to leave the warmth of their homes and engage in a workout. Nadia Murdock, a fitness coach, emphasizes that the shorter days and reduced sunlight can significantly impact energy levels. Sun exposure plays a role in releasing serotonin, a hormone associated with mood enhancement and overall calmness. To combat the winter workout blues, consider the following tips for staying committed to fitness during this festive season:

1. Enlist an Accountability Partner: The reluctance to skip the gym diminishes when you have a workout companion eagerly waiting for you. If finding a workout buddy among friends or family proves challenging, strike up conversations with fellow gym-goers. Connecting with someone at the water cooler or on the treadmill can lead to shared workout plans, making it less likely for you to cancel and feel isolated during the winter months.
2. Embrace Variety: Breaking away from the monotony of your regular gym routine can invigorate your motivation. Instead of procrastinating, explore new workout options immediately. Whether it’s trying a different piece of cardio equipment or consulting with a fitness trainer to introduce variety, the change will breathe new life into your routine, making you more enthusiastic about hitting the treadmill again.
3. Draw Inspiration: Surround yourself with stories of triumph and success by exploring and bookmarking inspiring narratives from the Planet of Triumphs. Being part of a community that motivates and supports each other, even in the coldest winter days, can provide the encouragement needed to stay dedicated to your fitness goals.
4. Cultivate Positive Vibes: Combat the winter blues by enhancing your physical space with positivity. Open your shades to invite natural light, and invest in a happy light that combats seasonal depression. Similar to the sun, this light aids in serotonin release, contributing to an uplifted mood. Fill your personal space with items that exude positive energy, ensuring a more inviting atmosphere even when snow clouds loom.

Whether through social connections, embracing variety, seeking inspiration, or cultivating a positive environment, numerous strategies exist to keep you motivated during the winter months. Stay vigilant for opportunities to boost your enthusiasm, and don’t let the cold weather dampen your spirits

5 HEALTHY HABITS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Embracing a fresh beginning each day is our philosophy here at Planet Fitness. As we welcome the new year, it’s an additional chance to introspect, evaluating past behaviors while anticipating what lies ahead. While many create lengthy resolutions, it’s disheartening that 80% of these aspirations fade away by February.

In our Judgment Free Zone®, we’re steering away from conventional New Year’s resolutions. Instead, we’re rewriting the narrative by advocating for small, manageable steps that pave the way for lasting healthy habits throughout the year.

Embark on your fitness journey with companionship. Seek a nearby club for support and expert guidance whenever you require it.

HOW TO ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE NEW YEAR HABITS Achieving enduring change doesn’t demand a complete life overhaul. Rather, it involves cultivating consistent habits that yield profound impacts over time.

COMMENCE WITH SMALL, ATTAINABLE ROUTINES The fastest route to self-sabotage involves overwhelming oneself with vague, ambitious goals that ultimately lead to discouragement. Begin with easily achievable tasks to build confidence and momentum. You’ve got this!

Significance of Small Steps: Conquering new challenges can be daunting. By concentrating on manageable tasks, confidence and success can be built gradually. Add some fruit to your breakfast or take a short stroll after lunch. Small actions accumulate swiftly!

Science Behind Habit Formation: Approximately 66 days are needed for a new behavior to become a habit. Hence, those New Year’s resolutions abandoned in February won’t suffice. If you persist until mid-March, you’ve conquered half the battle. Although it may seem lengthy, investing in yourself is worthwhile.

Celebrate Progress: Every achievement, no matter how minor, merits celebration. A week of healthy eating? Fantastic! Three exercise sessions this week? Excellent! Acknowledging small victories keeps you moving forward, so reward yourself along the way!

Commence with modest goals. Rather than jumping from zero to four gym sessions a week, aim for a brisk 15-minute walk three times weekly. Need assistance planning your initial week at the gym? Our beginner workout plan is a valuable resource. Check it out!

ESTABLISH SMART GOALS

A common error in habit change is setting overly broad goals, such as “I want to be healthier.” While desiring improved health is commendable, it lacks the specificity of a SMART goal.

So, what exactly is a SMART goal? SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of a vague goal like “I want to be healthier,” a SMART goal could be articulated as “I will attend the gym twice a week for 30 minutes each session.”

SMART goals provide clarity and concentration to your journey, facilitating better adherence.

Additionally, remember that your goals can be progressive, with each major objective broken down into manageable milestones. For instance, if your aim is to run a 5K, initiate with short jogs and progressively enhance your endurance. Celebrating these milestones along the way is crucial!

FORMULATE AN ACTION PLAN

Ready to translate those goals into tangible actions? Your subsequent step is to create an action plan! Begin by recognizing potential obstacles and preemptively developing strategies, such as packing gym essentials and setting out workout attire the night before. Utilize habit-tracking apps, join a supportive community, and consider incorporating some accountability. At Planet Fitness, PF Black Card® members can bring a friend for free, offering a supportive companion for your workout commitments.

5 HEALTHY HABITS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU

Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine is pivotal for overall well-being. Focus on the following key areas:

ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES YOU TRULY ENJOY If a specific exercise feels like a burden—burpees, perhaps?—sustaining the commitment becomes challenging. Opt for activities aligned with your interests and lifestyle, ensuring they evolve into consistent habits.

Finding Pleasure in Exercise: Exercise should be enjoyable, not daunting. If you love music, try a dance class. Embrace the outdoors with activities like hiking. Genuine enjoyment turns exercise into a rewarding experience, not a chore. Gradual Progression: Emphasize starting at a comfortable pace. Initiate with activities matching your current fitness level, gradually escalating intensity to prevent injuries and maintain energy. Embrace Variety: Combat workout monotony by diversifying your routine. Experiment with different classes, go for a swim, or join a local sports team. Variety eliminates boredom and fosters a habit of movement.

MAINTAIN HYDRATION: INCREASE WATER CONSUMPTION Investing in a water bottle you adore is a wise use of holiday funds for a healthier 2024.

Water, Your Body’s Ally: The human body is predominantly water, emphasizing the vital role of hydration in bodily functions. From digestion to temperature regulation, adequate hydration is essential. Balancing Act: While occasional coffee or happy hour drinks are acceptable, balance them with ample water intake. Caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration, necessitating moderation. Set Hydration Goals: Acquire a reusable water bottle and keep it visible to monitor your intake. Adjust your water consumption based on needs, especially on hot days or during intense workouts. Stay on Course: If maintaining sufficient water intake proves challenging, consider using a health tracker with a water-tracking feature. It can offer motivation and reminders throughout the day.