Let’s be honest…
On a frosty winter morning, it can feel like an Olympic event just getting out of bed.
The alarm goes off…
You peek outside…
The grass is covered in frost…
It’s still dark…
Your warm duvet suddenly feels like your best friend.
You convince yourself you’ll exercise tomorrow… and then somehow tomorrow keeps getting rescheduled!
I’ve done it too.
But winter is actually one of the most important times of the year to keep your body moving.
Movement is Nature’s Mood Booster
Even a 20-minute brisk walk around the park releases feel-good chemicals that can lift your mood and brighten even the greyest winter day.
And no… walking from the couch to the kettle doesn’t quite count!
Feeling Tired? Movement Creates Energy.
This one always seems backwards.
You feel exhausted…
So you skip exercise…
Which leaves you feeling even more sluggish.
Our bodies are funny like that.
One of the quickest ways to create more energy is actually to move.
Warm Yourself From the Inside Out
If you’ve been wearing three layers, fluffy socks, a scarf and you’re still cold… movement might be exactly what you need.
Once your muscles start working, your circulation improves and your body becomes its own heater.
Much cheaper than turning the heat pump up another degree!
Winter Aches and Pains?
Have you noticed your body feels a little stiffer this time of year?
Our joints are a bit like an old garden gate.
If you don’t open it very often…
Creak… creak… creak!
Movement helps lubricate our joints, improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Build the Body Your Future Self will Thank You For
One of my biggest reasons for exercising isn’t how I look.
It’s because I’d love to be 85 years old and still climbing stairs without sounding like I’ve just run a marathon!
Strength training helps us maintain muscle, improve bone density, boost our metabolism and keep us independent as we get older.
Meet Terry
Take Terry, one of my oldest clients.
At 83 years young he’s still working, enjoying life and moving incredibly well.
It didn’t happen by luck.
It happened because he made his health a priority long before he needed to.
Why I love Pilates in Winter
Winter often means more sitting.
More Netflix.
More hot chocolates.
More curling up under blankets.
(No judgement… I enjoy all of those too!)
But sitting more often leads to tighter hips, rounded shoulders and an aching back.
For many women, menopause can also bring more joint aches and muscle stiffness.
That’s why I love Pilates so much.
It gently warms your muscles, lubricates your joints, improves posture, strengthens your core and leaves you feeling taller, stronger and more flexible.
It’s like giving your body a lovely winter service.
Winter Nutrition Tip
Winter also has us reaching for comfort foods.
You know the ones…
“I’ll just have one biscuit.”
Five biscuits later…
“Well… tomorrow’s another day!”
Instead, try making protein your best friend this winter.
One of my favourite Sunday habits is batch cooking.
I’ll roast a tray of colourful vegetables – kumara, beetroot, carrots, parsnips, onion and cauliflower – cook some quinoa, boil a few eggs and then simply add chicken, salmon, tofu or legumes during the week.
When healthy food is ready to go, you’re far less likely to find yourself standing in the pantry wondering if chocolate counts as dinner.
A Little Challenge…
This winter, don’t wait until spring to start looking after yourself.
Your future self is being built by the choices you make today.
Whether it’s coming to Pilates, going for a walk, stretching for 10 minutes or preparing a healthy meal…
Every little step counts.
And remember…
Spring bodies aren’t made in spring.
They’re built one healthy habit at a time throughout winter.
Stay warm.
Keep moving.
And I’ll see you in the studio.
Luci
Balance Bloom Pilates