Keeping active during the colder months can be hard, especially when the mornings are darker and the blankets feel heavier than usual. But winter’s actually a great time to build momentum with your fitness routine. Whether you’re aiming to maintain your progress or get back on track, a bit of movement goes a long way for both your body and your headspace.
Collingwood may cool down during June, but that doesn’t mean your training needs to freeze up. With the right approach, winter workouts can be just as rewarding as any other time of year. You just have to adjust the way you train and find what works best for the season. Here are a few ways to stay moving and motivated through the winter in Collingwood.
Embrace Outdoor Activities
Getting outdoors might sound like the last thing you’d want to do when it’s cold, but moving outside in winter brings some real benefits. Crisp air, lower humidity, and fewer crowds mean you get space to reset. Plus, natural light, even on a cloudy day, helps you feel more alert and lifts your energy.
If you’re planning to train outside, layers are key. Start with a moisture-wicking base to keep sweat off your skin. Add a middle insulating layer like a fleece or wool, and top it all off with a wind-resistant shell. Gloves, a beanie, and thick socks are also worth the extra effort when the temperature drops. And don’t forget to wear brightly coloured or reflective gear if you’re out at dawn or dusk to stay visible.
When it comes to where to go, Collingwood’s got some solid options:
– Yarra Bend Park offers great walking and running tracks with plenty of greenery
– Cambridge Street Reserve is smaller but works well for circuit-style sessions
– The Merri Creek Trail stretches a bit further and is ideal if you enjoy steady-state cardio like jogging or cycling
One tip is to keep the warm-up indoors, if possible. A few minutes of skipping, lunges or air squats inside gets the blood flowing before you step outside. This helps cut down that initial shock when the cold hits and makes movement smoother once you’re out.
Indoor Workouts To Keep Motivated
Whether the weather’s too wet or you just can’t bring yourself to leave the heater, indoor workouts are a solid backup. It’s easier to control the setting, stay warm, and make your training time count. You can still get an effective session done without hitting the pavement or trail.
A dedicated space at home can go a long way. Clear some space in the lounge or spare room. Use a yoga mat, resistance bands, a kettlebell, or even bodyweight movements. You don’t need heaps of gear to feel the burn. Here’s a sample workout you can use without equipment:
1. 10 bodyweight squats
2. 10 push-ups (on knees if needed)
3. 20 mountain climbers
4. 10 jump lunges or reverse lunges
5. 20-second plank hold
Repeat the circuit 3 to 5 times, resting a minute between rounds.
If training solo doesn’t push you enough, classes or gym-based sessions provide structure and accountability. Group settings can help lift your energy, especially on those grey, flat-feeling days. Winter’s a good time to try something different too. Boxing, strength training, or even reformer Pilates are great for shaking up your routine and keeping things fresh.
The key is building a schedule that fits into your week. Blocking out time, even if it’s short sessions, creates structure and keeps you from drifting when motivation dips. Aim for realistic blocks like 3 days a week, then stack up from there if you’re feeling good. Once you get into the rhythm, it becomes easier to stay consistent.
Nutrition Tips For Winter Fitness
Training during winter takes a little more thought when it comes to your meals. The cold can make you crave heavier or warmer foods, which is completely normal. But making sure you’re giving your body what it needs before and after a workout makes recovery easier and keeps your energy up.
Warm bowls of porridge, soups with legumes, or roasted veggies with lean meats can be perfect this time of year. They’re filling but still give your body the nutrients needed to perform well. Including a good mix of carbs and protein supports workout efforts and keeps you feeling satisfied long after training.
Snacks play a big role too, especially if you’re on the go. Having things ready like boiled eggs, mixed nuts, or a smoothie with oats and banana makes it easier to stay on track. They stop you from reaching for convenience food that won’t give your body much to work with.
It’s easy to forget about drinking water in winter, but hydration still matters. You might not feel as sweaty or thirsty, but your body still loses water through breathing and movement. Hot drinks like herbal teas count, but don’t replace plain water. Keeping a bottle nearby helps you stay aware of how much you’re actually drinking.
Incorporate Fun And Variety
Mixing things up in your workout can be the difference between staying on track or giving up halfway through winter. Same-old routines can start to feel like a chore, especially when you’re already pushing through the cold. Trying something new adds energy and keeps your body guessing.
Instead of repeating the same workout every few days, think about rotating between styles or locations. For example:
– One day on the trail in Yarra Bend Park
– A bodyweight session in the lounge
– A circuit training session at your gym
– A social workout with a friend at a weekend group class
– A stretching-focused recovery day with yoga
Training doesn’t always have to feel like training. Activities like rock climbing, dance classes, or even a long walk combined with a podcast can keep you moving without the usual workout structure. Getting others involved can also boost motivation. A Saturday jog followed by coffee with a mate turns into something you look forward to rather than dread.
When routines get stale, it’s easy to start skipping sessions. Swapping one part of your week with something you haven’t done before can reignite that motivation, even if it’s just a small change.
Stay Safe And Listen To Your Body
Cold weather can cause your muscles to tighten up and stiffen more quickly, which raises your chances of injury if you’re not careful. That’s why proper warm-ups and cool-downs are more important than ever in winter.
Start slow, even if it’s just walking on the spot or dynamic stretches. The goal is to raise your core temperature and get the blood flowing to your muscles. After your workout, take a few minutes to stretch, breathe, and reset. This helps avoid soreness and keeps your joints happy.
Cold air can also be a bit harsh, especially if you’ve got asthma or feel tightness in your chest. Wearing a scarf or face warmer over your nose and mouth can help warm and humidify the air on chilly days. And if you’ve had a long break or are easing back into fitness, take things one step at a time. It’s better to show up consistently than to overdo it and end up sore or injured.
Your body gives you signs when it needs rest, like tightness, fatigue that lingers, or poor sleep. It’s tempting to push through, but listening to those signs makes your training long-lasting. Even a lighter session like walking or stretching counts if your body’s asking for something different.
Soak Up Collingwood’s Winter Energy
The colder months don’t have to knock your fitness off track. If anything, they’re a chance to create solid habits away from the summer pressure. Collingwood’s got the right mix of indoor spaces and outdoor spots to support your efforts, so the options are there if you’re up for it.
Fitness in Collingwood this winter doesn’t need to be big or complicated. It just needs to work for where you’re at. Start small, set your own pace, and lean into the things that make it fun. Once the rhythm sets in, the cold mornings won’t feel so tough and you might even start to enjoy them.
Whether you’re looking to push your fitness journey forward or maintain your momentum, embracing fitness in Collingwood this winter offers plenty of opportunities. By integrating indoor workouts, outdoor activities, and smart nutrition choices, you’re setting yourself up for success. If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, High Performance Fitness is here to support your goals with expert guidance and a personalised approach.