How To Train In The Cold, Dark Mornings

Early morning workouts aren’t for everyone, but if you’re struggling to make time later in the day, then it might be your best option. Once you’ve exercised first thing, nothing else can block it from happening.

Of course, it's easier to get up and go in the Spring and Summer months. So if you’re starting to work out for the first time as Winter approaches, it may be a little harder.

But trust me, you can do it! The trick to nailing the morning workout on a cold, dark morning is to make it as easy as possible for yourself to succeed.

As the clocks go back this weekend, we’re sharing our tried and tested advice to get you moving in the mornings – you’ve got the gift of an extra hour, so why not make the most of it before your body clock adjusts? Let's get into it.

Stay one step ahead

‍Make sure your workouts are scheduled ahead of time. If it’s in the diary/calendar/kitchen blackboard, you’re more likely to do it.

‍Plan down to the details

‍Make a plan of exactly what you’re going to do in each workout – down to every rep. This will stop you from wasting time (and motivation) thinking about what to do next and make your workout more efficient.

If you’re an Another Round member, this part is covered! 😉

‍Tailor your goal to the season

‍Summer abs might not be the priority now they’re constantly covered in jumpers, so adjust your workouts to something that will keep you motivated and moving, and focus on your overall health.

‍See food as fuel

‍You can’t get away from the fact that we eat and drink more at this time of year. See this as a positive – all that food is fuel for a bigger, more intense workout the next day.

‍Make the most of those winter munchies

‍All that extra fuel makes winter the perfect time to build your strength.

Swap rainy and cold cardio for indoor weights, increase your calories and build muscle. Even if you want a toned physique - that still requires muscle so this is the perfect time to start that phase.

‍Don’t be a slave to the snooze button

‍What are those extra ten minutes going to give you anyway?

When your alarm goes off, throw your legs out of bed, or even better, put your alarm on the other side of the room so you have to get up to turn it off.

‍Don’t be too hard on yourself

‍It’s really easy to miss a workout at this time of year, but don’t let it derail you.

If you’re not intentional about your training, a missed day can turn into a missed week, then a missed month – get back on the workout wagon as soon as possible to avoid long periods of inactivity.

‍And finally… it gets easier

‍Remember, the Winter months are a real test of willpower and motivation.

The first day will be tough, but as soon as you establish the routine of getting up and getting on, and you start to see the fitness that you usually lose at this time of year improve, you’ll have the energy and enthusiasm to keep going.

Come Spring, you’ll be feeling stronger than ever before.