Fight off the winter blues with some light exercise - here's how to stay motivated through the chilly months

Pulling on that activewear and pumping up a sweat can seem even more daunting as the temperatures drop and the nights start drawing in.And as tempting as it may be to stay in the warm, curled up on the sofa with <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/smores-hot-chocolate" target="_blank">a hot chocolate</a> or <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/comforting-soup-recipes" target="_blank">bowl of soup,</a> getting your recommended exercise is important - no matter what the weather's saying outside.To encourage you to keep those positive endorphins going throughout the winter, we've scoured the internet for some of the best tips for shrugging off the winter blues with a bit of light exercise. Because a healthy body equals a healthy mind.Find the timeAre you a morning, lunchtime or evening kind of person? Have a think about what time of day you're most likely to be able to actually fit in your exercise.Bear in mind that it starts getting dark earlier in the colder months, so if you're used to running in the evenings, see if you can squeeze a run into your morning routine - or even your lunch break - instead.<img alt="couple-working-out-autumn__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/couple-working-out-autumn__square_GL?scl=1">Find exercise you can do when it's dark or raining outsideIf your mornings are hectic enough as it is, there are plenty of fun ways you can work out in the comfort of your own home when it's dark outside. From peaceful yoga to challenging pilates and breath-taking HIIT, there are hundreds of thousands of home workout ideas online and on YouTube - most of which are free! What's more, thanks to all of the choice available, you'll never get bored of trying new workouts.Not sure where to get started? Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene" target="_blank">Adriene Mishler for yoga workouts</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates" target="_blank">Cassey Ho AKA Blogilates for pilates videos</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1" target="_blank">Joe Wicks for HIIT ideas</a>.Get a group togetherDo you struggle to stay motivated when it comes to exercise? Try joining a class or group session, or drag a friend along with you! Not only can you motivate each other, but you'll be more likely to make the time for exercise if you're looking forward to seeing a friend for a catch-up at the same time.There are lots of ways to find classes near you. Pop into your local leisure centre to see their timetable, look on community forums and Facebook groups, or try an app! <a href="https://classpass.com/" target="_blank">ClassPass</a> and <a href="https://www.gymsync.co.uk/" target="_blank">GymSync</a> both show you classes, fitness centres and gyms in your local area and let you try out different sessions weekly until you find what works for you.<img alt="friends_working_out_together__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/friends_working_out_together__square_GL?scl=1">Invest in winter-proof activewearFight off low temperatures with activewear that's fit for purpose. We're loving <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/women/sportswear/active-wear-black-zip-up-hoodie/GEM638460,default,pd.html" target="_blank">this zip-up hoodie</a> with padded bodice and breathable fabric, great for outdoor exercise. Partner with <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/women/leggings/black-active-wear-side-panel-leggings/GEM638180,default,pd.html" target="_blank">a pair of comfy, stretchy sports leggings</a> or <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/women/leggings/bootcut-sports-leggings/GEM548252,default,pd.html" target="_blank">bootleg yoga pants</a> to keep chills off your legs. Plus, it's definitely more motivating to keep your routine going when you've got an amazing outfit.<img alt="winter_activewear" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/winter_activewear_GL?scl=1" style="width: 700px;">Warm up inside so you don't feel the cold as badlyOne of the most daunting parts of exercising through the winter is the sudden shock as you walk outside in your activewear without your usual coat or jacket. To avoid this sudden shock to the system, try warming up indoors with a few star jumps, burpees or running on the spot to get the blood pumping, meaning you're already warmed up by the time the cold winter air hits you.Get into a routineGetting yourself into a good routine means you're far more likely to work out than when you decide off-the-cuff that you feel like it. Work out the time of day that suits your lifestyle best then schedule in two or three work-out sessions each week. After a while, pulling on your trainers won't seem like such a slog!<img alt="woman_working_out_outside__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/woman_working_out_outside__square_GL?scl=1">Looking to stay active this autumn and winter? Find George's lines of <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/men/sportswear/D2M1G10C21,default,sc.html" target="_blank">activewear for men</a> and <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/women/sportswear/D1M1G20C35,default,sc.html" target="_blank">women</a> <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/clothing/10,default,sc.html?cmpid=ppc-_-george-_-ggle-br-_-Brand-_-asda%20george-_-dskwid-s43700013658971980_dc&cwd=geo&cwf=pm&cwc=ppc-br&gclid=CjwKCAjw75HWBRAwEiwAdzefxGDMUb3tvEWXXJX2-EbyzNkN1Q7t9j0Fg1ticqW2TUExn41M0aJjnRoCf7wQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">online</a> or <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">pop into your local store.</a>

How to keep your exercise routine going in winter

By ASDA Admin,17th October 2017

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