![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/6280201.jpg\")
\n![\"trainer](\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Parker-Outdoor-Workout-6.jpg\")
When you consistently work out and put in the effort to train over the winter months, you\u2019re setting yourself up for a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain, versus crash dieting and over-training one month before spring break<\/a>. <\/span>Unfortunately, unless you live in a sunshine state, it can be hard to motivate yourself to get outside. Living in Boston, MA, Cote is all too familiar with this and here, he shares his tips and tricks to make working out in the cold a little more tolerable.\u00a0<\/span> Holding yourself accountable by teaming up with a buddy will ensure that you don’t skip a workout. When someone else is relying on you for a morning walk or class, you\u2019ll be less inclined to bail on your workout because it\u2019s too cold out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But, the key word here is <\/span>dependable.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0 \u201cIf you have a flaky workout partner you may end up more frustrated, but a good workout partner can bring you up on days when you\u2019re feeling off, and help you stick to your routine longterm,\u201d says Cote. Not only does having a workout buddy keep you motivated, but it can add a social element to your life at a time when a lot of us desperately need it<\/a>. (<\/span>Check out this <\/span>at-home buddy workout<\/span><\/a>!)\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n COVID-friendly tips: If your winter workout partner is outside of your household, consider meeting virtually, and be sure to follow all local guidelines and wear a workout mask<\/a> if meeting in person.<\/em><\/p>\n Anything you can do to shorten the time from the moment you get out of bed to your first mile or rep will help ensure you stick to your schedule. \u201cIt sets an intention\u2014when you see your workout clothes<\/a> ready to go it mentally prepares you and makes you excited to get up and train,\u201d says Cote.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you can\u2019t dive right into your workout for the morning, having your clothes<\/a> set out and putting them on first thing in the morning will up your chances of a productive workout. If meetings get moved around and a window of time opens up in your schedule, you\u2019re already dressed and ready to go so you can log a few miles outside or get in a <\/span>quick plank workout<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n If you\u2019re getting ready to go for a run or walk outside, bundling up the proper way is key to a successful and healthy winter workout. Cote recommends <\/span>running leggings<\/span><\/a> for both men and women as a base layer, then you can add sweatpants<\/a> or athletic pants over for even more warmth. For tops, he suggests wearing a compression shirt, which will not only keep you warm but help wick sweat away as you train. Top it off with a hoodie or athletic jacket<\/a> and you\u2019re good to go. If you aren\u2019t wearing moisture wicking materials, you run the risk of getting wet from perspiration during the height of your workout and then getting cold during your cool-down.<\/span><\/p>\n If you try to train with a heavy winter parka<\/a>, your range of motion will be hampered, so keep with layered, fitted athletic clothes<\/a> for the best results. Also, if you have a tendency to get extra cold, opt for darker colors as they will absorb sunlight and keep you a few degrees warmer.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n A hat<\/a> and gloves are very helpful for outdoor winter workouts, especially if you live in the northeast. It does come down to preference though\u2014and some equipment may be more difficult to grip with thick gloves.\u00a0 A lot of major athletic companies make <\/span>gloves for runners<\/span> which are a little thinner, and can make a great option for outdoor sessions.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n If you are training outdoors regularly in the winter, Cote recommends incorporating a face and hand moisturizer into your daily routine. \u201cThe cold weather will rob your skin of moisture, so providing it with the care it needs<\/a> will help prevent discomfort and overdrying,\u201d says Cote. This doesn\u2019t necessarily need to be applied before training, but certainly on a daily basis to maintain overall skin health.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n While it might be colder before noon, the best time of day for a winter workout is first thing in the morning. \u201cThere are no distractions, and you are less likely to skip the workout because of a change in your schedule,\u201d says Cote. Also, starting the day with an endorphin rush sets the tone for a more energetic and productive day.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t do well in the cold and your schedule permits, a lunchtime outdoor workout when the sun is out, may be the best option for you.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Warming up<\/a> is essential for injury prevention, especially if you\u2019re training outside in the cold. Cote suggests even a simple cardio warmup like jump rope works very well.\u00a0 \u201cThis can also be paired with some basic compound bodyweight moves like squats or pushups on an incline (feet on the ground, hands on a bench or similar object),\u201d says Cote. \u201cThis helps prepare the joints and ligaments for the workout to come.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n While you might want to jump in a hot shower after completing a lengthy outdoor workout, it’s not great for your body. If it is freezing outside, start the shower at a warm temperature then gradually increase, suggests Cote. \u201cIt can be too much of a shock to the body if you jump right into a hot shower after a cold outdoor session,\u201d he says.\u00a0 \u201cA warm shower can increase blood circulation helping you warm up faster while boosting recovery, rather than stunning your body with hot water\u201d<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Staying motivated to workout indoors is a big challenge\u2014especially with all the time we\u2019ve spent in our apartments and houses over quarantine. The best way to stay motivated at home is to make things new and fresh, says Cote. \u201cBuy a new workout outfit<\/a>, order a new piece of equipment, download a new playlist<\/a> or workout in a different room for a change of scenery,\u201d he says.\u00a0 \u201cAll of these will help you stay on track and keep you coming back for more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Did these winter workout tips help you? Tell us in the comments–and shop cute Activewear<\/a> to motivate you even more!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n<\/b><\/p>\nFind a dependable workout buddy<\/h2>\n
Set your clothes out the night before<\/h2>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/6460281.jpg\")
\nDress dry, not warm<\/h2>\n
Make sure to cover your ears and hands<\/h2>\n
Protect your skin<\/h2>\n
Try to get your workout done in the morning<\/h2>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/6127941.jpg\")
\nMake sure to warm up before heading outside<\/h2>\n
Avoid steaming hot showers after an outdoor workout<\/h2>\n
Try new and fresh workouts<\/h2>\n