7 Motivation Tips to Help You Stay Active This Winter (Cause Honey, It’s Cold Out There)

Maintaining your daily energy levels is key to a healthy workout routine, no matter what the date on the calendar says. And with the go, go, go mentality our culture is accustomed to, we don’t get too many opportunities to refuel the tank. One of the main ways our body hits the reset button? Sweet, sweet sleep. “Go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day,” duPont advises, “and make sure you’re getting a full eight hours. Our bodies have more energy when we’re consistent [with our sleep] and well-rested.”

To make it easier on yourself, pick a bedtime and wake-time that are realistic and match your current lifestyle. If you know you’re not a morning person, a 5 a.m. alarm is destined to be snoozed. Start at a reasonable hour and work your way back as your body becomes adjusted. Soon enough, you’ll be craving the consistency of a structured sleep routine.

Did you know our body’s pH levels are typically more acidic when we first wake up? And though we naturally have a built-in buffer system to aid in regulation, our individual levels can easily get out of whack based on what we consume and the environment we’re in. A proper pH balance is crucial for almost every bodily function you can think of, including your immune system and muscle activation. If you guzzle down a pot of highly acidic coffee first thing in the morning, you’re just adding fuel to the fire. “Drink lots of water before you go for the coffee,” duPont says, adding that you might want to skip the freezing cold stuff right when you wake up. “Ice cold water in the winter actually slows down our digestive system,” she explains, “so room temperature or even warm water is super hydrating and will help keep us energized.” Add some lemon or ginger for an extra alkaline (aka acid fighting) boost.

More often than not, getting dressed and showing up is the hardest part of any workout. Why not make it a bit more enjoyable by treating yourself to a thermal running jacket or cozy cold-weather legging? If you’re heading outside, stick to fleece-lined, insulating layers that add warmth without the bulk, and prioritize keeping your head, hands and feet covered above all else. You’ll look the part and feel confident knowing you’re prepared. 

For Amato, this prep begins the night before a big workout. “I find that when I have my outfit set out in the morning, and it’s something I'm excited to put on, I’m more inclined to get out there,” she says. “Once you feel a little more put together, you’re motivated to push yourself.” If you’re a skier like duPont, staying loose and warm on the slopes is key to a successful performance. She loves the Eddie Bauer Fineline Jacket and Bib to get her body (and mind) primed and ready. “This jacket and pant combo is super lightweight, incredibly waterproof and so easy to move in."

As the queen of the early morning sweat sesh, Amato employs a simple yet effective mind game to ward off any unwanted exercise procrastinating (it’s a thing). On days when a workout is the first thing on her to-do list,  “I like to keep athletic socks on the side of my bed and I’ll literally put them on right when I wake up,” she explains. The thought process? “I’m already one-third of the way dressed!”

ICYMI, music has magical powers. “Music is a huge motivator to move our bodies," duPont says. "Make a pump-up mix or find a groovy one on Spotify.” We suggest cranking the tunes while you’re still at home, getting dressed or stretching it out to help hype you up and put you in the right headspace. Whether you’re feeling ‘90s hip-hop or T-Swift's greatest hits, exercising to your favorite tunes will help you get more out of your workout both mentally and physically.

You can't go wrong with setting a tangible goal to hold yourself accountable. If you love running but struggle to get out there past the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, try signing up for a winter or spring race. There’s nothing like a hefty entry fee to keep you motivated, plus having something to look forward to will put way more meaning behind each mile. Though most races fall in the summer and autumn months, warm weather locations offer a number of options from December to May. Seek out unexplored cities and make it a vacation. The more you have invested, the bigger the commitment, and the bigger the commitment, the more likely you are to show up and stick with it (that’s science, folks).

Speaking of showing up…“Just get outside!” duPont urges. “I try to get outside as much as possible throughout the year.” So ignore the inner critic that’s full of excuses and reframe your mindset from I have to do this to I get to do this. “The fresh air is the best thing we can do for ourselves and our motivation.” And she’s not wrong. That rush of cold air can be an instant pick-me-up. Plus, if the sun is shining, your body will be triggered to produce vitamin D, which aids in both bone health and immune support. And did we mention you’ll burn more calories exercising in the cold? Your body’s already working harder than usual to maintain its core temperature. Throw in a few hill sprints and your metabolism will kick into overdrive.

When in doubt, have grace with yourself and listen to your body. If the wind is howling and it’s just not your day, don't sweat it. “That’s something I’ve figured out this year,” Amato admits. “You simply do not have to work out every day." We'll snooze to that.