The colder months can make it hard to find inspiration to workout. The tennis courts are barren, the outdoor pools have been drained and covered, and morning runs are becoming a struggle as the sun doesn’t even want to wake up early anymore.
Now, this may seem like the perfect time to cover yourself in wooly blankets and prepare for your own version of hibernation. However, it is important now more than ever to develop an exercise routine that is easily doable and that can be done on the regular.
Benefits of regular exercise include:
- Getting the blood flowing through our bodies to keep warm!
- Increased energy and mood
- Helps sharpen memory, boost brain activity, and promote creativity.
Here are some of my favourite exercises to do when I’m running short on time:
- Squats (15 x 3 sets)
- Stand with feet shoulder width apart, a little wider is okay too. With your weight in your heels, bend at the knees, lowering your butt backwards into a squat position. Keep your head and chest up as you look forward. Press up through your heels to come back up to a standing position. **Make sure your knees don't go over your toes when you're in the squat position**
- Push-ups (10 x 3 sets)
- Place your hands on the floor so they are shoulder width apart, come up onto your toes but keep most of your weight forward. Bend your elbows and lower your chest to the ground. Once your elbows hit 90 degrees, extend your arms and come back to starting position.
- Plank Heel Touch (10x 3 sets)
- Come to a push-up position with your feet shoulder width apart. Bring your right heel toward your butt as you reach back and touch it with left hand. Return to starting position and repeat with opposite arm and leg. Continue, alternating sides.
Our favourite workout app: Sworkit
Sworkit is a free, customizable workout app available to download onto your smartphone. You can choose which part of the body you want to work out (i.e. chest, abs, arms, etc.) or which type of workout you feel like doing that day (i.e., pilates, yoga, cardio, strength training, etc.). There are videos put together by real trainers that explain how to do each activity, and you can even put together your own custom workout. It is like having your very own personal trainer in the comfort of your home!
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