Most of us have heeded the calls to ‘beat the winter blues’ and gotten out of the house. Even if the weather has you cooped up indoors, there are options to get some exercise and lose a few pounds. You just have to know where to look.
Try A Few Minutes A Day
Regular exercise is great for our bodies and minds. However, it’s not always feasible for everyone. If you’re not one of these people, don’t despair – you can still achieve your weight loss goals without putting in the hours at the gym. Instead, set a few minutes a day aside for moving around, whether it’s walking, running, or dancing. Even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time, it’s still exercise.
If this seems like a daunting task, start small. Set a timer for a few minutes and get up from your seat. Take a walk, move around the house, or get up and dance. Every little bit counts. And remember: just because you don’t feel like you’re burning a lot of calories doesn’t mean you aren’t – you are simply exercising at a different pace than usual. Set a goal to lose a pound a week, and you’ll be on your way to healthier living in no time.
Take Advantage Of The Things Around You
If you’re stuck inside all day long, take advantage of the things around you to get moving. If there’s a park close by, go for a walk. If there’s no place near your home for walking, take a bike ride. If you’ve got some gardening to do, get down on your knees and start weeding. If you need something to do whilst cooking dinner, get up from the table and start cleaning. Even little tasks like folding laundry or washing dishes can get your muscles twitching and help you to shed a few pounds.
All of these things have the potential to get you moving, so use them. Park near your home or office, and take a walk during your lunch break. If you’ve got a bike, ride it everywhere you go. When you return home from work, take a warm shower to wash the road dirt off your body and feel refreshed. During cooking time, get down on your knees and do some kitchen work. Whilst cleaning up after cooking, get down on your hands and knees and tidy the kitchen. These little tasks will get your muscles working and burning calories so that when you do get up from your desk or couch, you’ll feel like you’ve actually benefited from the time spent sitting.
Keep Active During BOTH Weeks
If you’re a person who likes to work out during the week then why not try taking your workout outdoors. During the week, keep active by going for walks, doing some yoga or stretching, or riding your bike. During the weekends, get out on the boat or go for a swim at the pool. You can also take advantage of the weather conditions and go on a trail run if there’s a nearby park. Working out during both weeks will help you to lose a few pounds and stay motivated.
What’s important is that you move around during the week and do as much as you can. Going for a walk, riding your bike, or doing yoga will all help to get your body active and working. During the week, try to get at least six hours of sleep a night so that you aren’t lethargic during the weekend. Sleep and hydration are essential for weight loss, so make sure you get your eight hours of sleep each night without fail. This will help you to maintain healthy levels of energy during the week and burn more calories than usual.
Take Advantage Of Friends And Family
If you have supportive friends and family, take them up on their offers to help. If they see you struggling with weight loss, they may be willing to help out. Maybe they’ve been trying to lose a few pounds themselves and are in need of a partner. The possibilities are endless. If you’re comfortable asking for help, be sure to let your family and friends know that you’re looking for ways to lose weight. They may have ideas or suggestions on how you can achieve your goal.
Get Inspired
Sometimes, all we need is a little bit of inspiration to put our best foot forward. If you’re looking for ways to lose weight during the winter months, why not consider some of the following tips? They may just give you the kick you need to start losing those extra pounds.