29 November 2018
Winter is well and truly on the way and there is definitely a chill in the air! When it’s cold and dark it can be difficult to stay motivated about your health and fitness, so we’ve put together a list of five reasons why you should keep active during winter.
Exercise in winter can provide just as much benefit as exercise during the rest of the year, because it specifically answers our winter body needs.
Here are the top five reasons to keep exercising when the temperature drops.
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Keeping warm
When you work out, your body temperature will rise – which means you can warm up naturally without putting the heating on! Our gyms and fitness classes provide the perfect opportunity to work up a sweat… even when it’s cold outside!
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Stay healthy
It’s no secret that regular exercise can strengthen your immune system, helping you fight off viral and bacterial infections – something which is particularly important when winter bugs start their yearly rounds.
When you exercise and get your blood pumping, immune cells circulate through your body quicker helping them seek and destroy infections. But this boost only lasts for a few hours, so exercise needs to be regular for long-term effects.
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Beat the winter blues
We’ve all felt the winter blues at some point – and some of us might even have experienced the more serious Seasonal Affective Disorder. Working out releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals which make you feel good, reduce anxiety, de-stress your brain, and also help you get a break from the daily grind.
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Avoid winter weight gain
It’s so easy to turn to comfort food when it’s cold and we’re lacking in motivation. Whilst we’re not telling you to deny yourself the occasional mince pie (we certainly don’t!), we’d also encourage you to stay sensible about it and make sure you keep active to balance your energy in and energy out ratio.
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Sunshine!
During spring and summer, it can be easy for us to pick up the recommended dose of Vitamin D by taking part in a short outdoor walk. However, in autumn and winter this gets a bit more difficult as sunshine can be a bit more elusive!
Get outside, get moving, and get your Vitamin D! It’ll keep your bones and immune system strong – and also helps to just make you feel more positive and happy.
We hope you’re inspired. Getting fit and keeping active with Glasgow Club is easy at any time of year – particularly during the winter! If you’re looking for a bit more motivation, then talk to our staff about our Member Journey and see how having a customised programme can help.