Exercise Plan to Combat the Winter Blues

Posted 11 March 2009

Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing on cold, dark winter days. But a realistic, achievable exercise plan is one way of putting a spring in your step.

An exercise plan can sound daunting. But in fact, you can incorporate regular exercise into your day-to-day life with minimum fuss. And even on cold winter days, walking has been scientifically proven to be good for the soul, as well as the body. If you want to incorporate walking into an exercise plan, you need to make sure you put a spring in your step - use your whole foot from heel to toe to help lengthen your legs and by imagining you have a glass of water on each hip, you'll stabilise your hips helping you achieve a flatter tummy and firmer buttocks.

Exercise Plan for All Seasons

Walking is often a good way to build up your fitness levels and lose weight if you are scared of, or feel unable to take on more intensive exercise. For those that are unable to do high impact sport, it's an ideal solution. And for those who want to take their first steps to fitness, you can build on walking exercise plans and incorporate a jogging or running exercise plan. Mental health charities have backed up previous research that walking outdoors is not only good for weight loss, fitness levels and improving heart health, it also boosts your mental well being and feelings of self esteem.

Exercise Plan for Dark, Dreary Nights

If however you simply can't incorporate a long winter walk into your day, why not consider incorporating walking to and from work? Even if it's getting off the train or bus a stop earlier, or if you must drive, why not go for a brisk lunchtime walk? If walking simply isn't an option, you could consider an exercise plan in the comfort of your own home, such as a toning programme using the furniture in your front room as props.

Take a Holistic Approach to your Exercise Plan

As well as finding an exercise plan to suit you and your routine, consider other aspects of your life that might be impinging on your well being. You should always aim to eat breakfast at home or take in home-made lunches for work - research has shown when we eat out, we're more likely to choose fatty foods, portions are often bigger than the size we'd cook at home and of course, it costs more financially. As well as an exercise plan, beat those winter blues by taking up a hobby - hobbies can create a sense of creativity and fulfilment to help your inner well being, helping still anxiety. Research shows that the less anxious we are, the more creative we can be as the brain is freed to find solutions to problems that may be worrying you. If walking in the great outdoors, discovering a creative hobby and eating healthily still leave you feeling blue, try listening to Mozart - according to the Harvard Medical School, listening to Mozart has been shown to reduce stress and boost moods.

Are you Seeking out an Exercise Plan? Call Fitbug

Fitbug offers flexible activity programmes online, allowing you to do what you can, when you can - and a little bit more when you have the time. For those that find they need a little more structure to keep them on the straight and narrow, Fitbug offers a series of handy programmes, including walking programmes, running programmes and toning programmes, that can get great results in your own front room just by using furniture. Simply choose the programme that suits your level and make time to follow it. Find out more, get in touch: 0870 228 4949.