How to Keep Moving Your Body in Winter (and Why You’ll Be Glad You Did)
When winter rolls in, it’s all too easy to hit pause on your usual movement routine. The mornings are darker, the bed is warmer, and the last thing you feel like doing is jumping into a cold workout or going for a walk in the wind.
But here’s the thing: your body still craves movement—even when your brain is saying “blanket and Netflix.”
Keeping active in winter isn’t about pushing through exhaustion or guilt-tripping yourself into another workout. It’s about choosing to move in ways that make you feel better, not worse. And the benefits are even greater in the colder months.
Here’s why—and how to make it happen without the battle.
❄️ Why Moving in Winter Matters
1. Boosts Your Energy and Mood
Less sunlight = less serotonin and more sluggishness. Movement is a natural mood booster that helps fight off the winter blues and gives you that much-needed energy lift—without needing another coffee.
2. Supports Your Immune System
Gentle, regular exercise helps strengthen your immune response, so your body is more resilient during cold and flu season.
3. Keeps Winter Weight Gain in Check
Winter often comes with heavier foods, more time indoors, and less movement. Staying active helps balance your energy levels and supports fat loss or muscle maintenance goals—even if your nutrition isn’t perfect every day.
4. Keeps Joints, Muscles & Metabolism Happy
As we age, regular movement becomes even more important. It keeps your joints lubricated, your muscles strong, and your metabolism humming—even when you’re layering up in jumpers.
💡 How to Stay Active in Winter (Without Hating It)
✅ Adjust Your Routine to Match the Season
You don’t have to stick to the same schedule you had in summer. Can’t do early mornings anymore? Shift to lunchtime walks or after-dinner stretches. Less daylight just means being more strategic.
✅ Warm Up Your Environment
Keep a pair of leggings and a hoodie next to the heater. Set up a cosy home workout corner with a mat, dumbbells, or resistance bands. Make it easy to start.
✅ Find Your Winter Movement Mood
You don’t have to run, sweat buckets, or go to the gym if you don’t want to.
Try:
Pilates in the living room
A boxing session to fire up your body
A winter walk in the sunshine (even 15 mins is magic)
Gentle strength training with a cup of tea waiting as your reward
✅ Book it Like an Appointment
Even if it’s just twice a week, schedule your movement like you would any other commitment. It’s not about quantity—it’s about consistency.
✅ Set a Goal That Isn’t Just About Weight
Instead of "I need to lose X kg", try:
“I want to feel strong by spring”
“I want to move 3x per week through winter”
“I want to manage my energy and mood better this season”
🔁 Remember: It’s About Momentum, Not Perfection
You don’t need to do something every day. You just need to keep showing up some days. Because every little bit of movement adds up.
And when spring rolls around? You’ll feel so proud that you didn’t give up—you leaned in. You looked after yourself. You kept the momentum going, even when it was harder to do.
🌟 Final Thought
Movement in winter isn’t about chasing a bikini body—it’s about taking care of your current body. The one that’s showing up, carrying kids, juggling work, and doing the best she can.
Move for her. She deserves to feel strong, energised, and supported—all year round.