As autumn gives way to winter, it is as if we sometimes become pre-programmed to hibernating. You know the feeling: you get home from work and it is dark and cold, why on earth would you want to get your sports kit on and head off to the gym? Even worse, why would you want to head out into the cold night for a run or to play football?

Why exercise?

Well, the answer is, it will make you feel better. You might not think so at the time, but that hour of exercise will give your immune system a boost; it will raise the levels of endorphins (hormones that make you feel good), making you feel happier; it will reduce any stress you may be feeling; and it will help you maintain a good level of fitness and help control your body weight.

Long-term gain

These are just some of the short-term benefits. The long-term benefits are even greater: reduced risk of chronic disease; stronger bones; improved cardio-vascular system – the list goes on.

So how can you make exercise in the dark months of the year fun? What is the motivation factor that will get you out and about?

Try something new:

While the most obvious answer is to go to gym, sometimes you just need a change to add some motivation to your routine. If you are used to going along to the gym and doing the same routine, then sometimes remaining motivated is an issue. By the same token, if you have been doing the same exercise routine for weeks or months, then it might be time to look at your activity sessions and add some new elements. At Kelsey Kerridge there are heaps of different activities you can do, from Zumba to Yoga, from Bootcamp to Sculpt and Tone – a quick visit to our home page will reveal classes and activities that will appeal to a wide range of users.

If you are stuck for ideas or worried that an activity might not be suitable for you, then you can ask for advice from our highly-qualified gym instructors. Equally, one of our personal trainers will be able to help you identify and achieve new goals and reach new targets.

Play a game with mates:

Whether it is getting together with a friend for a game of squash or joining a climbing club or badminton group will give you the extra boost you need to get out and about. Once you are an integral part of a team, then it is far more difficult to drop out of the activity. Not letting a friend down when you have promised to go along to an activity can really act as a spur to get out of the house.

Train at a different time:

If leaving the house during the evening does not appeal, then think about changing your routine. Going for a run before work is a energy-boosting way to start the day; a swim in the morning is one way awaken the senses; a spin-class before breakfast will get the metabolism working hard; even a brisk walk with the dog will banish winter blues. If exercise in the morning is either impossible or simply anathema to you, then think about using your lunch break. Even a 20-minute brisk walk or jog will be beneficial to you and help keep your fitness levels ticking over.

Use the weekend wisely:

The weekend offers a fantastic chance to get out and about in the daylight. While you might not want to spend all your weekend doing exercise, sometimes adding a run, a bike-ride or a game of frisbee with family or friends in the park, will provide you with all the benefits of exercise… in the daylight.