It is easy to watch the nights draw in and the weather change and think, it’s okay. I will just stay in, get cozy and watch TV. However, it is critical not to forget the impact of doing nothing on your health over winter. If fitness is for you, here are 8 Fitness Trends in 2023 and Beyond. Whether you like fitness or not, we urge you to stay active, and here’s why.
Why does fitness matter to me?
It matters because your physical conditioning tends to deteriorate quite quickly; runners report needing to rebuild stamina after just 2 to 3 weeks. Colder, less active periods in the UK can last 4-6 months. You will notice the decline in street cyclists as the weather turns. Lack of activity brings aches and pains, which then exacerbate the problem. It is easy to get into an inactivity spiral.
Why it’s essential to stay fit in winter months
We are not bears going into hibernation; therefore, we do not need to store fat for winter, and fitness acquired during the summer will soon be undone! Heart rates increase, bad cholesterol rises, and general health and conditioning decreases. [nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol].
According to the NHS:
“It’s mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It can also run in families.”
There is no denying that this is a typical summary of the winter period in the UK.
Active Blog’s nine great reasons to stay fit this winter
One – Christmas is approaching. Turn up as the best version of yourself for your colleagues and management. Showing an aptitude for self-improvement is highly valued by employers and your peers. Feel good this Christmas and allow yourself to indulge with a fitness plan in place.
Two – New Year, New You. It’s easier to make a New Year’s resolution if you are active and have a routine that is working. Simply add to it for the highest chance of success. Do not try and reinvent the wheel, and by practising a fitness routine, you are used to committing time and effort.
Three – Stay warm. Don’t turn up the heat; turn up the effort and stay warm at home, or maybe go to the Gym and enjoy working out in a bright, warm environment with others. Get your blood flowing and your muscles moving.
Four – Immune boost. It will be easier to conquer seasonal illness if you are fit and well. Stave off colds with improved fitness. By getting an immune boost, you are also avoiding loss of income. As a freelancer or zero-hour employee, you are exposed to illness impacting your income, and Christmas is an expensive time for many.
According to Forbes:
“62% of people say physical and mental health are equally important.”
Five – Feel better in the colder months. Exercise improves mental health, making you feel happier in the colder months. While Bob from Accounts is smashing the mince pies, you will feel energized thanks to exercise, controlled diet, and fitness goals; however, if you are suffering and looking for an effective path to depression treatment, click this link for more information.
Six – Reduce the likelihood of an icy fall. At any age, being more stable through your core and lower body avoids injury, especially on ice. Fitness like walking, running, or Gym work will provide the additional stability you need. A fall can put your training back or, in later life, be exceptionally dangerous. In the UK, 6,410 deaths reported were attributed to fall in England and Wales. Even in younger adults of working age, this can lead to loss of income.
According to the UK Government, the top reasons for falls include:
- Muscle weakness
- Poor balance
- Visual impairment
- Polypharmacy – and the use of certain medicines
- Environmental hazards
- Some specific medical conditions that might make a person more likely to fall
The primary reason given above is muscle weakness, and we have confirmed that this can be avoided with activity.
Seven – Beach body ready. If you exercise, you are one step closer to your beach body for the Summer. It is easier to achieve your goals if you are halfway there.
Eight – Save money. Maintaining or even reducing your weight sensibly through exercise will ensure you do not need to buy new clothes, saving money.
Nine – Being fit can reduce your food bills. When you are active or exercising, you naturally consider food and, as such, typically eat less sugary or fatty foods and drinks because you are mindful of your body; therefore, being fit can have a side benefit.
Do you prefer to work out at home?
In this case, you could consider going online, as most online retailers will deliver, and Online Fitness Giant Mirafit will provide all sizes of orders for just £4.95. Home Gym delivery is an excellent idea if you would like to stay active. Any exercise is good for you, especially during the less busy winter months.
What we’ve learned
This article and supporting sources confirm that inactivity harms your general health. It outlines that remembering fitness means that you will be able to maintain your summer health gains. It discusses nine benefits of staying active in winter and some physical benefits, such as maintaining functional fitness, joint mobility, and cardio health. It also explains that staying active can reduce the chance of cholesterol-related issues, reduce the likelihood of pain, and will mean less work for you to do on your health and fitness when coming out of the colder months. It then references an online store where you can get your fitness equipment and workout from the comfort of your home. Really, there is no need to become inactive and lethargic this winter, so consider taking action for yourself today. Team sports and clubs also run during winter, with many other creative fitness examples. Why not stay active with Golf, for example?
We hope you found this article encouraging, and please consider staying active this winter, either with a local Gym or choosing home fitness.
