BE STUBBORN ABOUT YOUR GOALS AND FLEXIBLE ABOUT YOUR METHODS. I’m guessing whoever wrote this lived in Ohio. This weather requires me to be flexible in my methods!! I’m a fair weather girl and use every ounce of my willpower just to survive the outside air during January and February. There is very little willpower left to force gym habits that require extra trips outside.
Last year I got really frustrated about my schedule. I felt like there was no free time in the evenings to enjoy the weather and be outside. It lead to this night owl’s miraculous change to morning workouts. And I LOVED THEM!! When it started to get cold I knew they weren’t going to work for me though. I didn’t like bundling up (a sweatshirt) or warming up the car in November. Fast forward to the brutally cold temps of January and I’m struggling to even leave the house at all!!!
I discussed a lot of my fitness life hacks that make staying on track easier in Preparing For Success. One of the things I left out (ummm…because it was WARM) was the ability to adapt your week and lifestyle to the weather. Remember the white board? It’s still in use and the weather is one of the things I take into account when I’m planning my days in the gym. If it’s going to be super cold, like the negative 30 windchill coming this week, then I don’t count that as a gym day. If I did it would set me up for failure. I know I’m not going to the gym when it’s that cold, if I have my way I’m not going anywhere on that day!
Another strategy I’m finding helpful is going straight to the gym on my way home from work. Every night I pack my gym clothes and take them with me to work. I have everything I need and no real excuse not to go. I’m minimizing my exposure to the cold and saving time in my day. This feels like such a small thing, but has been crazy helpful to ensure I’m getting the gym time in that I want.
Adjusting my patterns for the seasons is one key to flexibility in my methods. Being open minded about how to tackle my goals allows for success. Being honest about your ability to tackle things that are hard for you (the weather in my case) helps to create a plan and environment that fosters success. Allow yourself to make this your own personal journey. What works for others may not work for you and that’s completely ok! THIS IS ABOUT YOU!
PS……I also decided I have to dress like it’s winter to help me survive. Snow boots, gloves, hat. UGH!! Warm weather can’t get here fast enough.
Daring To Do This 