Here in the northern hemisphere, the night’s darkness now comes early.

The temperature has dropped.

We leave work just as the sun sets; no natural light to keep us energized – much less to feel very social past, say 8 o’clock?!

Thus, over this rainy week  I find myself remarking: “I feel like I could sit down in the kitchen and eat absolutely everything in the cupboards!”. “Then have a nap.”

So, if I feel like that – it’s no surprise that you do too.

We’re animals after all. Why not mimic their winter behaviours?? – climb into the cocoon after work, cozy up in familiar surroundings, raid the food stores and slumber the winter away.

BECAUSE we’re not like other animals – nor like humans from the days of yore.

The foods that we consume during our COCOONING season are not necessarily sparser, more nutrition-rich or wholesome than those we eat during our ACTIVITY season.

Nor does our “daily grind” come spring (you know, foraging or working our butts off in the fields) differ much from that of the winter.

It’s before and after work that we are generally less physically active. But eating the same, or more.

In order to maintain your fitness level up to the standard that you are seeking (or wishfully hoping to appear) – it is up to YOU.

- DON’T just rush home, shut the door, pull out the snacks and watch endless rounds of Facebook status updates, TV reality shows or  “must-see” episodes of the week.

- DO plan your day to include a stop-over at the gym to keep your muscles and heart active and your metabolism from slipping into hibernation.

The feeling of satisfaction that comes from PUTTING FIRST THINGS FIRST is unbeatable for sidelining the winter blues.

But the #1 reason that we don’t??

M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N

Especially at this time of the year, you must summon the motivation from wherever you can muster it.

Schedule the time.
Select the program.
Set some goals.
Review your performance.

You know how good it feels!

Which makes me think:

Considering the many physical and psychological benefits of maintaining your workouts during these uninspiring, dark, wet days… I could be a pretty cheap winter date!!

Doug

MyTRAINER says…