Winter is coming and as the mornings get darker and the nights arrive earlier, it can be challenging to find the motivation to venture outside. The arrival of winter can affect all of us differently, and while it is definitely a great time to slow down and retreat from the world a little, maintaining your routine is important for mood regulation and overall wellbeing.
And make sure to read to the end for a special announcement!
Winter provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the indoor setting of reformer Pilates - the struggle can be just getting out the door and into the studio! Shorter days and cooler weather can mean we spend that extra 30 minutes in bed in the mornings, or find ourselves feeling unmotivated to leave home after a day at work. So, here are some (hopefully) helpful tips to keep you coming to class all-year round:
What's my motivation?
Think about why you love coming to classes - the feeling of getting stronger and more mobile; the 45 minutes of concentrated mindfulness while moving your body; the social connection with others? Whatever gets you to class all-year-round will be the foundation that keeps you coming, even when the weather and the lack of light can be a little discouraging (or the comfort of the sofa seems all too tempting).
Keeping up your regular regimen can also help boost your immune system, helping to ward off the common ailments that come with the colder weather conditions, as well as improve your mood and mental health during the darker months of winter.
Although Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in Australian is rare, our mood and mindset can still be adversely affected by the lack of sunlight and the, often constant, rainy days and grey skies.
When it comes to improving mental health, exercise is beneficial for everyone, whether the change of season affects you or not. Exercise releases endorphins, the hormones that reduce pain and increase feelings of well-being. In addition, exercise increases your metabolism, which helps improve your energy levels. Other benefits include:
increased self-esteem
improved sleep
reduced anxiety
Switch up your schedule
Can't stand the thought of getting out of bed in the dark? Try booking into an evening class instead - you may find your quality of sleep improves after releasing tension or excess energy by moving your body at the end of the day.
Want to head home after work and just stay there? Maybe mornings are the way to go - plus getting your class in before the work day begins can help with feeling motivated, energised and accomplished before you've even checked your emails!
Remember, if a class time isn't convenient for you, the chances of you getting to that class are very slim. So make the schedule work for you.
Preparation is key
It's the simple, age-old trick that works nearly every time - lay your clothes out the night before a morning class or pack them for an evening class and take them to work with you. If you're prepared well in advance, there's less effort required when you know your motivation may be at its lowest.
(I have been known to sleep in my workout clothes so I don't even have to endure the chill of getting changed in the mornings - whatever works, right!!)
Set yourself a challenge
If you like competing against yourself, set a challenge by booking into classes a month in advance and then do your best to stick to that schedule. Making that future commitment can help with motivation but it also means you are prioritising your own well-being above everything else, which can only bring beneficial outcomes for everyone around you as well!
And speaking of a challenge...
The Winter Wellbeing Challenge is coming!
Beginning Saturday June 1st through to Saturday August 24th, your challenge will be to attend 30 reformer classes, however suits your schedule - come twice a week, three times a week or even four times a week! The goal is to keep a consistent practice and get to 30 classes within the 12 weeks. There will be a few tweaks to the schedule, with at least one class per week dedicated to the classical repertoire.
Investment: (pay in one go or opt for three installments)
One-time payment: $660 (that's just $22 per class!)
3 installments: $235 every 4 weeks (that's just $23.50 per class!)
If you choose to join the challenge, your regular pass or membership will be put on pause for the duration and reactivated in the final week of the challenge so you can book in your classes for the week ahead. Please note that regular passes or memberships cannot be used to participate in the challenge.
Those who attend all 30 sessions within the 12 weeks of the challenge will go into the draw for a major prize of:
1 x $150 voucher to use on your next pass or membership purchase, or to gift to someone else
1 x Private 1:1 session, just for you (valid for 3 months)
1 x pair of MoveActive grip socks
Limited places available so reserve yours now by clicking here.
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