In the winter it can be hard to get out of bed and leave your warm blankets to go exercise. Exercise is a great way to keep your body and mind healthy. Most of us understand how exercise keeps our muscles strong and able. But did you know that exercise is also a great way to relieve stress and boost your immunity?
With it being flu season and the surge in COVID-19 cases lately, staying active might be just what you need this winter. Here are some things you can try to keep you motivated:
1. Try a new winter sport
Trying something new can help add some variety to your routine and keep it interesting. These could be outdoor sports like skiing and snowboarding or they could be indoor sports like basketball and swimming. Once you find one you want to try, go do it.
When you live at Sunrise Village, you can participate in any number of activities offered at BYU-Idaho, from cross-country skiing to snowboarding to ice skating.
2. Workout in the middle of the day
If you want to be outside, choose a time in the middle of the day. This is when the temperature will be the warmest and there is plenty of light outside, making it the most ideal conditions for your workout.
3. Utilize the gym
BYU-I students have access to all of the fitness facilities on campus for free. At the I-Center there is an indoor track, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. At the Hart, you have access to a gym that has a variety of cardio machines (ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.), strength training machines, and other weight lifting options. The Hart is also the home to a pool, racquetball courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and an equipment room where students can borrow the necessary equipment for sports they wish to play.
4. Stay at home and follow a YouTube video
There are so many options on YouTube to try. Some of these include yoga, tai chi, kickboxing, Zumba and other dance workouts, and so many more. Home workouts can save time and eliminate traveling in the cold.
5. Make goals
Set reachable, short-term goals. Be specific in the goal you want to set and the timeframe that you want to reach it. Choose something that you enjoy doing. If you like to run, then your goal may sound like this: “Build up to running a 5K in under 30 minutes by January 1st.”
6. Put it on your schedule
Write your workout into your schedule. This ensures that you do save time to workout. Then make sure you follow through. Treat it like you would a doctor’s appointment. It is an appointment with yourself for yourself. You will be glad you did it.
7. Ask a roommate or friend to join you
If you know that someone else is expecting you to show up, you will be more likely to follow through. Ask a roommate or friend to meet you at the gym to do a workout with you. This gives you someone to hold you accountable for getting to the gym, keeps you motivated at the gym, and makes it more enjoyable.