As the days get shorter and the weather becomes colder and wetter, it can be very tempting to stay indoors, curl up on the couch, and reach for comfort foods and sweet treats. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a cosy night in, one of the best things you can do for your mood, energy, and overall wellbeing during winter is to keep moving.
Movement signals the brain to release endorphins – natural feel-good chemicals that can lift your mood, reduce stress, ease aches and pains, and help you feel more positive and energised. Even a short burst of movement can change how you feel mentally and physically.
Create a Routine That Supports You
One of the keys to staying active throughout winter is creating a routine and sticking to it. When exercise becomes part of your weekly schedule, you’re far more likely to stay consistent, even on the days when motivation is low.
At Balance Bloom Pilates in Parnell, many of our members attend the same classes each week. Not only does this help build healthy habits, but it also creates a sense of community. Sometimes it’s the friendly faces and encouraging atmosphere that help get us out the door on a cold winter morning.
Dress for the Season
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Layering your clothing is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable when exercising.
You may feel cold when you arrive at class, but after a few minutes of moving your body and engaging your core muscles, you’ll quickly warm up. Wearing layers allows you to adjust as your body temperature changes throughout your workout.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Many people find it harder to drink enough water during the cooler months, and I’m no exception.
I like to start the day with a cup of warm water, which feels comforting and helps me stay hydrated. During the day, I often drink water at room temperature rather than ice cold. Even though we may not feel as thirsty in winter, our bodies still need hydration for energy, recovery, concentration, and overall health.
Why Pilates Is Perfect for Winter
Pilates is a fantastic way to keep your body moving when the weather outside isn’t inviting.
One of the greatest benefits of Pilates is that it develops a strong powerhouse—the muscles of your abdomen, back, hips, and pelvis. A stronger core helps support better posture, alignment, balance, and movement efficiency.
Pilates also strengthens the functional movement patterns we use every day, including squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, rotating, bending, and balancing. These movements help us climb stairs, carry groceries, work in the garden, and move confidently through life.
Whether you’re new to exercise or have been active for years, Pilates offers a safe and effective way to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and mobility during winter.
Get Outdoors When You Can
When you’re not in the studio doing Pilates classes, try to include some form of cardiovascular exercise outdoors.
A walk along the beach, through a local park, or up a few hills can do wonders for both physical and mental health. Walking costs nothing, can be done almost anywhere, and requires little more than a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
If you’re new to exercise, start small. Even a 10-minute walk around the block during your lunch break can boost your mood, clear your mind, and improve your energy levels.
Strength Training for Midlife
I am a huge believer in strength training, especially for women in midlife. If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, declining hormone levels can contribute to a loss of muscle mass and bone density.
Lifting weights two or three times per week can help maintain muscle, support bone health, improve metabolism, and keep us feeling strong and capable.
Combined with Pilates reformer workouts for flexibility, mobility, posture, and core strength, strength training creates a balanced approach to long-term health and wellbeing.
Find What Works for You
The most important exercise routine is the one you’ll actually do.
Whether you’re an early bird who enjoys morning workouts or someone who prefers to exercise later in the day, create a routine that fits your lifestyle. Consistency is far more important than intensity.
You don’t need to follow the latest fitness trend or push yourself to exhaustion. Find movement you enjoy, make it part of your week, and keep showing up.
Small actions repeated consistently create lasting results.
Stay warm, keep moving, and I look forward to seeing you in the studio soon.
Luci Harrison
Founder, Balance Bloom Pilates