Keeping fit....when the weather is S*&T!

The mornings are getting colder. The days are getting shorter. The nights are getting UGLY!!!!

Sadly winter is just about on our doorstep!

For those like myself who love training and exercising in the summer months May through September can be absolutely shattering to your fitness campaign.

A beautiful sunny day is a lot more motivating to get outside and sweat then the doom and gloom of winter

Its so easy to say "it's too wet" "its too cold" "it's too dark" to avoid exercise but its these months in the middle of the year that can set you up for a very successful summer.

The best way for any type of exerciser to stay the course is to find some form of activity that they know will keep them interested through those depressing times.

It doesn't matter whether you enjoy running, weight lifting, boxing, rowing, swimming, circuit training or actual organised sport here are my tips to staying fit as a fiddle during winter.

1) Personal trainers- If you find it hard to motivate yourself, don't have time to plan your workouts, you have no idea what you should be doing, you're bored or you have severely plateaued it may be time to hire some external help to take the stress out of it for you. A personal trainers job is to take the guess work out of it and guide you on the right path to achieve your goals and give you that extra push in a safe and educated way.

2) Recruit a friend- fitness is always more fun with a friend. If its commitment you are after, it's a lot harder to pull out of training if you know someone is relying on you. Also there is nothing better than some friendly competition.

3) Join in on group training- There are so many exercise groups out there now that cater for people of all fitness levels. Whether you are just after a community feel or a chance to train in a different environment, group training can make hard work a lot more interesting. These groups can range from Crossfit, Boxing, F45, Pump classes and bootcamps for example are designed to take people out of their comfort zones and get them working really hard. You just have to find the one thats the right fit for you.

4) Buy new training gear/equipment- It sounds silly but there is something thrilling about training in new clothes/shoes or with new equipment like heart rate monitors, bikes, dumbbells, medicine balls etc. Don't blow the budget but buy yourself a winter present to get you out and moving.

5) Find an event- Sometimes the best for of motivation is a challenge. The winter months are the perfect time to train for a specific event that may be taking place in the later months of the year or early the following. Melbourne Marathon is always early October, the annual triathlon series runs through spring and summer or you may be more motivated by a weight loss or body shape challenge. Set a goal and smash your way through the winter blues.

These are just some of many ways to get through the dark days. My biggest piece of advice is find something you love and just have fun. Fitness should always be hard but enjoyable....there is no point if you aren't having fun as it won't last.

P.S. Do a proper warm up. Make it consist of functional movement (squats, push ups, Lunges, running, skipping etc) for 5-10minuts to avoid muscular injury!