We all know how tough it can be to stay motivated to work out in the winter months, especially after Christmas! When it's colder outside it's only natural to want to stay curled up in the warm, but what better time than after over-indulging at Christmas to get back out there and keep fit. Justin our Head of Fitness at Herb House and his team give us their top tips for staying motivated this winter. 

1. Get prepped!
   Put your gym kit on as soon as you get up or finish work - don't procrastinate!

1. Consistency is key
   Set yourself a regular schedule - and stick to it! Consistency is key.
2. Make a motivational playlist
   Who doesn’t love working out to a banger! Music can give you the energy you need and make you feel good. We know that music can initiate a feel-good factor and will help you to get up and go, so make sure to utilise this for setting good training habits.
3. Don't be a couch potato…
   Try to focus on how you feel after you've trained. By focusing on the 'reward' you're more motivated to want to do something as opposed to focusing on all the reasons why you don't want to do something.
4. Set yourself attainable, achievable goals
   If you don't know how to do this, perhaps seeing a personal trainer might help as they are the experts in this area and will help you in this extremely important but often overlooked step. Find out more about personal training at Herb House here.
5. Get yourself a gym buddy
   Someone who you enjoy spending time with! Research has shown we don't like to let people down, especially friends, therefore we are more likely to stick with something if we know we won't be letting our friends down.
6. Don't use the weather as an excuse!
   Instead focus on the positives about why you want to train and what you want to feel like afterwards. 
7. Buy yourself some new gym gear
   Nothing motivates better than a pair of new trainers or gym leggings.

9. Mix up your routine
   You shouldn't be following the same programme all year, and if you've been following the same programme for over 3 months, then now is the time to shake it up. Do something entirely different to keep you interested and to re-ignite the passion for training.  We have a fantastic range of classes at the spa so why not try something new from power hoop to dance fit and aqua to combat fit.  Why not come on in and try a new fitness challenge in the new year!
10. Take care of the basics
    Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of eating right, sleeping right and getting as much natural light as possible (try to get outside whenever you can). These things may seem quite trivial but play an important role in helping regulate your hormones, and helping promote a better, happier mood and emotional state whereby you'll feel more inclined to get up and out, as opposed to feeling lethargic and tired.

Beat the blues this winter by helping 'make' a better you - get into shape and make staying fit and healthy a priority!  Hopefully, we will see you all in the spa very soon!

-Justin and the fitness team at Herb House!