By Catherine McCurry
SOME of the most difficult endeavours we face during cold, wintry months is to sustain a routine of weekly work-outs as well as drinking plenty of water.
For me, winter involves wrapping up warm and staying indoors in the evenings while sipping on a comforting hot drink so the idea of running or going to the gym armed with a bottle of water is stomach-churning.
My gym-visits have been whittling over the last few weeks but if I don’t find the motivation to do more, this road to inactivity will be difficult to overcome when a warmer climate reappears.
Firstly, the motivation to get up and do something has to come from within. Set yourself a goal over the winter months and aim for that. Whether it’s to tone up or lose a few pounds, it’s all about self-control.
There are some thing you can do to make it easier like wearing long running bottoms or a light running jacket with gloves and a head-band if you enjoy out-door exercises.
Working-out is one of the best ways to warm up over winter and the fresh air stimulates your senses and because you have to work harder in the winter, you will burn those calories quicker.
Always start your work out with a warm up because launching straight into a run could be too much for your body to cope with.
People who join fitness groups are more successful at working towards their fitness goals because having other people to exercise with is a good motivator.
It’s just as important to drink the same amount of water during winter as you do throughout summer as dehydration happens as easily during cold months too.
It’s particularly important to drink more water on the days of your work out so you are not dehydrated during or after your exercising.
Not everyone enjoys drinking water as they find it tasteless and not as satisfying as a cup of coffee and it’s difficult to get used to.
If the endless benefits of drinking water doesn’t persuade you, then experiment with water and see what tastes you do like.
Firstly, buy a water bottle – which is NSK certified – preferably with a built-in filter as it does help the taste.
Ebay sell these for as little as £2.99 or a few pound shops in Enniskillen also sell them for around the same price.
I sometimes flavour my water with diluting juice, especially if I’m struggling to hit that two litre mark, or I add some lemon, lime or cucumber.
Robinsons have released the small cordial bottles – aptly named Squas’d – which are easy to carry and requires just a little shot of concentrated juice in to your water bottle. There are Summer Fruits, Apple and Blackcurrant and Orange and Peach.
Of course, we all need a comforting warm drink in the cold evenings but swap the teas and coffees for a cup of herbal tea.
Camomile will help you relax while peppermint is good for bloated stomachs.
