There has definitely been a change in the weather in the last few days, and I feel like we might be slowly creeping towards Spring now, with increased sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures on the horizon - hey, it's only a few days until the clocks go forward!
However, if you're still struggling to gain that extra motivation to get outside and exercise after the winter months you're not alone. New research by E.ON has shown that bad weather causes more than three quarters (77%) of Brits to put off their planned outdoor activities, with a massive 56% saying that a dismal day stops them going for a walk.
I totally get it - heading out in the cold and wet can seem like it won't be much fun! But, that doesn't have to be the case, and even if you don't want to add additional workout time into your day, there are plenty of alternative ways to get an energy refresh as part of your normal routine.
5 Top Tips for an Energy Refresh
1 - Dress for the weather and go anyway!
There's nothing worse than planning to go out for a hike or a bike ride and the weather turning halfway, drenching you to the skin and freezing your fingers off. Adverse conditions can be a challenge, but they don't have to put a dampener on your workout - make sure you dress appropriately and you will find that you can still enjoy that session you planned, and feel even more smug at the end of it that the weather didn't beat you this time!
2 - Start your day with an active commute
If you're looking for a relatively easy way to refresh your workout routine, adding some activity into your commute is such a quick option. Get off the bus/train one stop earlier and walk the last block, or why not look at cycling or running some of the way? Even for people who drive to work, parking a little further away from the office means you can squeeze in some activity as well.
3 - Invite your mates along and get social
The best way to enjoy getting outside is to take someone along with you! Why not give yourself an energy boost by tagging along with a friend to their choice of workout, and try something different? Getting a group of mates together and planning an outdoor adventure is a sure-fire way to re-inject some excitement, with the planning of routes, kit, and pub stops along the way!
4 - Have a goal to aim for
If you're someone who thrives on challenge and competition - even if only with yourself - setting a new goal to work towards is a great option. It will give you extra motivation to keep getting outside, even when the weather is less than ideal, as you can see the progress you're making towards your end point. If it's a race with a medal or some other reward even better!
5 - Make it fun
Don't take things too seriously! Getting outside and getting active doesn't have to be all about PBs, completing crazy challenges or being the fittest/fastest/furthest. Sometimes, the best way to get an energy refresh is simply to take the pressure off and remember the joy we can get from just moving and exploring.
What is your favourite way to get an energy refresh, and re-motivate yourself to get outside and exercise?
Comment below with your top tip for staying motivated and you could win a £150 Sweaty Betty or Gymshark voucher courtesy of E.ON. Competition open until 7pm Tuesday 2nd April 2019, winner will be selected at random and contacted on 3rd April 2019.
Beki x
NB: This post was sponsored by E.ON, to help advertise their wide range of products and services available for your home. Although I was paid for this post, all views are my own.
![[LEAVES] So many crunchy leaves, so much fun with big sister... 😆🥰🍂
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I try to motive myself by setting targets that are achievable, and then gradually increasing the targets as I get fitter. That way I don't get discouraged. At the start of the year I set myself the goal of walking round the park behind our house 3 times per week. Once I was doing that comfortably I increased the goal to 7 times per week. My goal is now to do 10 walks per week. I am definitely getting fitter and have improved my muscle tone on my legs.
I think for me the key is getting in some fresh air - it instantly clears my mind and refreshes me. Getting enough sleep is key too, though a bit more difficult to control...
And if all else fails, the promise of some chocolate cake if I get X, Y and Z ticked off my list...
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When it comes to motivation, I try to always focus on and remind myself how good I'll feel afterwards. That's never a probelm on active outdoorsy weekends, but after a long day at work dragging myself to the gym on week nights can sometimes take a lot of willpower. Walking in, I might feel cranky, stressed and tired, but walking out I know I'll be on an endorphin high, far more relaxed and feeling good about myself, so that's always what I focus on to get myself through the door 😊
I motivate myself by signing for a race or event. Having that deadline helps me stay committed to my training.
Making a date with my friend to go and walk. Then I cant wriggle out of it.
I found my tribe and we always make sure we motivate each other and we turn up for runs at the same time every week. It's really helpful to know that they are going to be there, regardless!
Being kind to yourself is the best way of staying motivated. There’s some days I can manage long mountain walks and climbs or long trail runs and other times I will cry half way up an easy rock climb or struggle to run even 5k without wanting to quit.
I learnt that if I beat myself up about this and treat these as failures then I can soon stop myself wanting to do activities at all on my ‘off’ days. Instead I try to think of them as personal victories that I made the effort to run at all after a long day at work.
It also has to be fun, so if I know I’m going to struggle to get outside at all I don’t set goals I just go out to get fresh air and see a view. That way I know I’ll have fun and enjoy it without feeling like I failed to achieve.
Other days I’m super psyched and motivated and those times I really go for it!
You've been selected as the random winner! Congratulations 🙂 Thanks for sharing your tips too. x
This new gear would definitely get me motivated! It’d be ace for my outdoor netball matches - team sports are a great way to get motivated... can’t let your team mates down now can you!
I try to get outside every day for an hour - even if it's just into the garden or a walk around the neighbourhood. Also I plan walks in hills/coast regularly so I've got something to look forward to.
Having never been into fitness and only just starting now with the goal of doing a half marathon in September, I find it hard to keep myself motivated. I have found that trying new classes that will help my overall fitness which in turn will help me reach my end goal a way of keeping me motivated. I think it's the element of always doing something different and not repeating the same routine everyday and switching it up to keep it more fun!
It can be harder to get outside when it's cold, but I like to look forward to when I get back and have a hot shower or hot cup of tea- the contrast between being freeing cold and then being all cosy once home makes it more worthwhile. Arranging something with a friend is good too, as you don't want to let them down. Or just making it a functional thing- I need to walk to the Post Office/ get something at the shops if you need to get out for a quick walk.
I like to book workouts in with friends so I’m held accountable!
I write down how I feel after I do a workout so that when I am low on motivation to get up and exercise I can see how it makes me feel to get a good workout in. It works well for me because I get up knowing that at the end of my workout, I will feel amazing!
I tend to get in the habit of jogging around the same areas which can get rather boring, so I'm always seeking out new places to discover to make the jog more fun, and interesting.
I try to take a 15-20 minute walk after work each day - it gives me a chance to decompress and reflect on my daily accomplishments, as well as keeping me physically and mentally refreshed. Now instead of feeling like a chore, it's become a happy necessity in my routine!