Bikini Boot Camp BLOG

Keeping up with your outdoor workout routine is a cure for cabin fever and can relieve the cold weather blues. Outdoor workouts increase energy which can be sapped by the shorter days and can boost your immune system. Studies show moderate exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do and getting out of buildings with re-circulated air into the fresh outdoors is just the remedy. And an added bonus? You won’t have to scramble to get in shape for swimsuit season. You will be ready to go!

If you don’t want to spend another cold weather season putting endless miles on your treadmill here is how you can stay motivated and fit while still having fun outdoors!

1. Layer up: Stay dry and warm by layering your clothes. Remember that ‘cotton is rotten’ because it holds moisture and will keep you cold. Wear breathable technical fabrics that wick the moisture away from your skin and wear them in layers. In general, 3 layers are all you need:

a) a base layer to wick away moisture to keep you dry
b) a middle layer to insulate your body
c) an outer layer that is wind and water resistant to keep you warm in any weather

And don’t forget about your extremities. A hat and a good pair of gloves are essential to keep you toasty.

2. Keep moving: If you are giong to try working out it is important to incorporate higher intensity exercises into any outdoor fitness routine so that you don’t cool off. Here are 2 of our Bikini Boot Camp favourites to keep you moving:

1) Flying burpee
• Begin in a standing position
• Drop into squat position with hands on the floor in front of you
• Hop back feet into plank position
• Push up
• Hop back into squat
• Forward jump
• Repeat for 60secs

2) Bootstrappers
• Place hands palms down in front of feet and squat (butt touching heels)
• Extend knees while keeping hands on the ground (pike position)
• Return to starting position
• Repeat for 60secs

Go to locations with stairs, pathways and hills that are cleared and use these elements in your workout.

3. Be creative: Use the space and your surroundings to keep your workouts fresh and fun. Don't limit yourself to a traditional workout. Try something new such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, iceskating, snow boarding or sledding. Join a group or do this with you family. What a great way to have some fun and get moving. Even getting out and making a snowman is a fun way to keep active during the winter.

4. Buddy up: Stay motivated and have fun by getting together with a friend for your workout. Instead of setting a coffee date, make a date to workout together outdoors first and then go for coffee to celebrate. If one of you does not feel like hitting the pavement the other is there for motivation. If needed, join an outdoor workout group or a walking or running group to keep you moving.

5. Set goals: When the weather cools down stay motivated by setting a goal, and achieving it! Whether you want to walk or run your first 5km or 10km race or whether it’s a picture of you in that little sun dress for your winter vacation, use that as your incentive to stay outside and keep moving. Besides, there is no better reward for exercising than the feeling you get from a fun and fabulous workout outdoors!