Monitor News Desk
Srinagar: It’s freezing outside and you do not want to work out. Attendance in gyms stays on the lower side during the winter months in Kashmir. Several gyms altogether stay shut in the mornings and only open in the afternoons.
People complain of having put on weight after the winters. If you want to stay fit and keep yourself motivated, do keep in mind the following tips to beat the winter blues in Kashmir this season:
1. Find a partner and train in a group
If you are feeling lazy to work out, find a partner. You can train with your friend or a group of friends. If you are feeling low, your friend will motivate you to work out or vice versa. Almost every fitness expert will tell you that having a workout buddy is a foolproof way to stay on track.
2. Try a new workout
If you are bored with your previous exercise schedule, try something different. If you are an old-school person and lift weights the traditional way, try circuit-style workouts. The coach in the gym will tell you how to go about it. Now, a few gyms in Kashmir are offering Zumba and CrossFit workouts.
3. Take a ‘winter pack’
Most of the gyms offer attractive and cheaper than usual packages during the winters. This happens because not many like going to the gyms in Kashmir winters. Instead of paying per month, take a quarterly or more package that will definitely keep you more motivated. You have paid in advance and now there is no reason to skip a workout.
4. Keep a journal
Remember how exhilarated you felt after a trek to the mountains? How will your stress melt away after hiking? Keep a personal log of it in a notebook immediately after your workout. Flip through the book to remind yourself how hard you exercised and how much you lifted. This should help you get to the gym.
5. Post on social media
Posting pictures of your workout or cycling or mountaineering on social media will help you keep motivated. Experts say when you tell people you are going to exercise, it ‘keeps you accountable in a very public way’. According to the American Council on Exercise’s health coach manual, support from family and friends is key to maintaining an exercise regimen.
6. Get new gym clothes
Get yourself a warm hoodie or new shoes this winter. Lots of fitness gear is available online now and do order a couple of things so that it motivates you to work out.
7. Set a goal for spring
If winter is here, can spring be far behind! Jackets and pherans will hide all your flab now but what about the coming spring and summer months. Tell yourself that you have to look fit in your tight tee shirt after the winter months.
8. Invest in-home fitness equipment
If you do not wish to move out, have some simple workout gear available at home. There are apps on the play store too that can motivate you to work out at home. You can do both freehand or lightweight training at your home.
9. Warm-up inside
Never forget the warm-up. A good warm is not only essential but will motivate you to work out with good intensity despite the cold weather. Get some leg swings, butt kicks, or jumping jacks before your run or workout will get the blood flowing to your muscles and joints as well as reduce your chance of injury.
10. Treat yourself on your cheat day
Did you conquer the cold? If yes, go ahead and treat yourself to a warm drink after your workout. And on your cheat day, treat yourself to a small plate of harissa or the good old barbequed ‘tuj’. But, remember only on your cheat day. And do eat in moderation even on your cheat day
