How to Keep Your Workout Motivation Strong During the Winter Months

As I'm writing this, my children are home from school on a Tuesday afternoon because it's too cold outside! #onlyinMN  I know all too well how hard it can be to peel myself off the couch & swap out my comfy robe for workout clothes! Maintaining workout motivation during winter can feel almost impossible. The cold weather, dark mornings, 383167 cold/flu viruses & cozy blankets with a side of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) all conspire to keep us in bed rather than in the gym.

But here's the thing - we can't let winter win this battle.  It comes around every year & this time, we have some tips/tricks:

1. Acknowledge the Challenge

First things first - it's completely normal to feel less motivated during winter. Those dark mornings and chilly evenings aren't exactly screaming "let's work out!" But acknowledging this challenge is the first step to overcoming it.

2. Create a Winter-Proof Routine

Just like any routine needs structure and accountability, your winter workout routine needs the same attention:

• Set specific workout times and treat them like important appointments
• Use a fitness tracking app to maintain accountability
• Don't let one missed workout turn into a week-long hiatus

3. Find Your Winter Workout Sweet Spot

Maybe your usual routine isn't working in winter - that's okay! It's time to adapt:

• Experiment with different workout times to find what feels best
• Try indoor alternatives to your usual outdoor activities
• Keep a backup plan ready for those "too cold to function" days (check out the virtual workouts that I offer!)

4. Build Your Support System

We all need accountability:

• Share your winter fitness goals with friends or family
• Join a workout group or class - check out the classes offered in my studio!
• Find an accountability partner who won't let you hibernate all winter
• Join a fitness challenge, like this one!

5. Prepare for the Setbacks

We've all had to bounce back from some life happening... you might miss some workouts. That's not failure - it's just part of the journey:

• Don't let one missed workout derail your entire routine
• Have a plan for getting back on track quickly
• Remember: progress isn't about perfection

6. Make It Enjoyable

Winter workouts don't have to feel like punishment:

• Create playlists that get you moving
• Invest in comfortable winter workout gear
• Reward yourself for consistency (not just results)

7. Stay Connected to Your Why

Remember why you started this fitness journey in the first place. Don't let winter make you lose sight of your goals.

You have the power to choose your response to winter workout challenges. You can either let the season derail you, or you can adapt and overcome.

The Bottom Line

Winter might make working out harder, but it doesn't make it impossible. Don't wait for perfect conditions - they don't exist. Instead, adapt your routine, stay accountable, and keep showing up for yourself.

And remember - if you do fall off the fitness bandwagon (because let's be honest, it happens), you can always get back on. The only real failure is giving up completely.

Know I'm always in your corner,

Shannon

P.S. Here are some more blogs you might find helpful: Finding motivation after falling off the bandwagon & winter workout

ideas - Happy Reading!