7 Little, Low-Effort Ways to Stay Fit This Fall and Winter

When it comes to the urge to hibernate come cold weather, I’m super guilty. Once Daylight Savings hits, it’s dark hours before I leave my office, which makes it hard to motivate in the evening—also because of this—and without warmth and sunshine to entice me out for a run, I’m hard-pressed to force myself to do 30 minutes on the treadmill.

The problem: Winter is a long-ass season here in the northeast. And the holidays make it less than ideal to go four months (or more) in a sedentary state. If you want to get even more scared about winter weight gain, check out these stats. Scare tactics aside, winter is a good time to slow down, recharge, rest, and nourish our bodies mindfully.

The trouble comes when you forget to incorporate movement here and there. It doesn’t have to be as much as you do the rest of the year—unless you really want to be able to go for that second helping of cheesy pumpkin pasta—but we don’t feel our best when we don’t give our bodies a chance to sweat and our muscles to work.

That’s why I asked four top trainers for their best strategies for staying fit through the coldest time of year. Here are their top tricks.

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Get It Over With

If, like me, 5PM sunsets and cold temps do not make you excited to work out, set your alarm a little earlier in the morning and, as they say, get ‘er done. Not only does some research show that you might have a more efficient workout, but celebrity trainer and master Flywheel instructor Holly Rilinger says it can set your day on the right track. “Start your morning by throwing on your ear buds to get up and move! Music is a proven mood booster so the good vibes will set you up for a good day.” Even better knowing your gym time is over.

Buddy Up

One of the best way to bust your own excuses about not hitting pilates or barre class is to make plans with a friend so that you feel too guilty to cancel. And if you’re normally a solo gym-goer, winter is a good time to break that habit and try the buddy system. “Working out with a friend is a great way to stick to a fitness routine,” says Rilinger. “Pick a friend and select a workout schedule together. That way, you can keep each other motivated to work hard—and it passes the time more quickly!” 

Stretch

Not in the mood or feeling too low-energy for a major cardio session? Head to a yoga class or just do some simple stretches in your living room, says Ben Wegman, Instructor at New York-based High Intensity Training boutique fitness studio Fhitting Room. “I find that making a point to stretch more during the winter makes huge strides in my well-being,” he says. “Our bodies are naturally tighter and colder in the winter due to the weather, so stretching can improve your mood, clarity, and release some of that tension from compacting your body to hurry through the cold.” Good point.

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Fit in Little Bursts of Movement

You’ve heard it before, but winter’s a great time for a reminder—simply taking the long, or slightly harder, way can give you a little more movement and help you burn a few extra calories each day. “Take the stairs,” suggests Derek DeGrazio, celebrity trainer and managing partner at Barry’s Bootcamp Miami. “Lunge around your house instead of walking, or make a habit of doing a set of 10 quick push-ups right after you wake up.” Doesn’t sound so hard.

MORE: 7 Easy Ways Nutritionists Avoid Gaining Weight During Winter

Work Out in Bed…

According to celebrity trainer and Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute Member Jay Cardiello, your bed is nearly as good a place to get in a workout as a mat on the floor. “The bed actually can be an effective place to perform both cardiovascular and strength protocols,” says Cardiello. “The bed can assist in development of proprioception, which is basically the feedback loop between the body and the brain. So, simply do two or three sets of as many push-up, planks or alternating arm extensions in bridge position as you can do in a minute.” 

And While Watching TV…

Even an intentionally lazy activity can become healthier with a little effort, says DeGrazio. Next time you’re binging on “Scandal” or “Gilmore Girls,” do planks during commercials. “You can also wall-sit and V-sit while watching a movie or show,” he says. Hey, if it’s an excuse to stay inside and keep Netflix on, I’m in.

And While Brushing Your Teeth.

Last but not least, the five minutes you spend cleaning your mouth at the start and finish of each day can be another chance to do a simple but effective workout. “Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth,” says Cardiello. “You’ll improve core strength, symmetry throughout your hips, and balance. Another great reason to always make sure to brush twice a day!” 

Originally published December 2016. Updated October 2017.