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BUSINESS NEWS - When the wind is howling outside and it's been raining for days, it can be tough to stay motivated to work out and boost your fitness levels. But don't give up all thoughts of staying active during the winter months just yet. A little planning will help you get out of the cooped-up state and stay active and healthy.
Ways to stay fit during the colder months
Considering that exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke by up to 30%, it's very important to stay active throughout the year.
Here are our top tips for staying fit this winter:
Join an online class
Take advantage of the wealth of online exercise classes. Many of these are free or available at a small rate. Keep in mind that when you sign up for a specific class and pay for it, you’re more likely to attend. It's a form of accountability. Online classes include yoga, pilates, cardio, and dance fitness lessons offered by trained instructors.
Download an app
Fitness and health apps have been a hit since increasingly more people are using smartphones. The easy accessibility has allowed many to work out from the comfort of their homes. The right app can help you identify your goals, set your own pace, and monitor your progress. All you need is a mobile device and an internet connection and you're ready to start. If you don't have Wi-Fi at home, be sure to take advantage of the many Vodacom deals on data rolled out every month.
Create a home gym
Make room in your house for a small home gym. You could install a treadmill or an exercise bike and a few hand weights. Even if you don’t have much room, you can still get a yoga mat and do bodyweight exercises to stay active when you don’t want to go outside.
Get a personal fitness coach
Want to really stay motivated during the winter months? Invest in a few sessions with a personal coach. Certified personal fitness coaches or trainers are professionals who are trained in creating and implementing safe and effective exercise programs. They cater to their client's personal needs and can educate on all aspects of health, fitness, and exercise.
The great thing about working with a flexible coach is that they can help you train in the comfort of your home. So, you don't have to get out in the cold to meet them at the gym.
Use your backyard
Maybe you enjoy going for walks or runs, but the last thing you want is to get caught in stormy weather! So, use your backyard. Even if you have a very small garden, you can still get in a few thousand steps. Use objects found around the house, such as patio furniture, to set beacons for yourself to run or walk around.
Use YouTube
The two biggest benefits of using YouTube to improve your workout routine are the incredibly large variety of videos available and the fact that they're completely free! Plus, instead of making your schedule work according to a gym or yoga class, you can exercise to a YouTube video whenever you want.
YouTube videos are incredibly convenient and once you've found the right workout clips for your needs, you can save the videos and stick to the same routine over a certain time.
Easily reach your fitness goals this winter
Whether you’ve been a regular outdoor runner for many years or you’ve only recently started working out, the freezing temperatures of winter can push a lot of people indoors for the season. Working up a sweat while stuck at home can be difficult, but it's very possible.
Experts recommend that you exercise at least thirty minutes every day, five days a week to enjoy all the benefits of physical activity. By finding the right workout method for your needs, you can reach this goal easily from the comfort (and warmth!) of your home. The key is to get into a routine and hold yourself accountable every day.
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