by Clarissa Hartley

As temperatures drop, it can feel increasingly challenging to maintain our exercise regimens. Familiar summer routines of sunset runs and early morning cycling may be replaced by sporadic workouts driven both by dwindling daylight and decreasing mercury levels. However, this doesn’t herald the end of your fitness journey. A judicious change in gear, varying workouts, and a positive mindset can help keep the fitness flame alive during the winter months.

Brave the winter chill with the expertise of prominent outdoor enthusiasts discussing their exclusive winter exercise strategies. Let’s explore together how you can make the cold season an exciting time for training, regardless of weather conditions.

Revitalise Your Winter Cycling Routine

Do the icy winds and freezing fingers intimidate you? Make your indoor cycling experience fun and realistic by integrating cycling apps into your routine. You can explore the hilly terrains of Yorkshire or sun-soaked streets of Cape Town right from your cosy living room. These apps sync effortlessly with your workout schedule, ensuring a continuous training regimen despite poor weather.

Winter cycling calls for innovative gear choices besides a helmet and LEDs light for other road users. A warm base layer, a cosy winter top, shoe covers, and long breeches are instrumental in keeping in warmth while you’re on the road. The inclusion of mudguards on your bike is also beneficial in reducing spray that can hinder your biking experience.

Incorporating variety in workout routines during winter can make training exciting. Consider interval training, hill reps, and other exercises to keep your regime engaging. This also builds your strength and power in addition to enhancing your bike handling, which proves beneficial for your summer training.

Torch the Winter Chill with Running

Winter running often demands a healthy dose of motivation, particularly when venturing out into the cold. Partnering up with a friend for a run ensures consistency and adds a social element to your routine. Essential gear for winter runners includes gloves, ear warmers, and sturdy trainers for off-road and fell running. A pair of good-quality leggings coupled with a windproof gilet can enhance your winter running experience.

If you can plan a warm-weather training camp, it offers the added advantage of boosting mood, vitamin D levels, and creates the groundwork for summer performance.

Winter Hiking: A Memorable Adventure

Winter offers its unique charm, especially when the ground is draped in a blanket of snow, or autumn leaves provide that delightful crunch underfoot. Weekend hiking trips can end pleasantly with a meal at a local pub or coffee in a cosy café.

Essential gear for winter hiking includes a headtorch and high-visibility clothing. Other useful items might consist of a ‘Buff’ (a versatile accessory that can be used as a headband or neck warmer) and a dual-purpose headlamp.

If you’re short on time but have outdoor adventures planned for the summer, explore different routes and elements during winter hiking. An even simpler trick? Run some stairs! This little addition to your routine can dramatically improve your fitness level, closely mimicking uphill hikes.

Do not let the winter chill put a damper on your active lifestyle. With the right gear, varied training, and a positive mindset, winter training can become a thrilling part of your life. Wrap up warm, call up a pal, and embrace the joy of winter workouts!

Our Top Picks for Winter Training Gear:

• Cycling: Pearl iZUMi Long-sleeve Jersey, Megmeister Women’s Short-sleeve Base Layer, Kryptonite Avenue F-100 & R-50 Bike Lights
• Running: dhb Run Gloves, Pearl iZUMi Women’s Elite Escape Barrier Gilet, Merrell Women’s Agility Peak Trail Running Shoes
• Hiking: Komoot Route Planner, Premax Weather Defence Cream, dhb Winter Run Socks

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