4 Tips to Help You Find Winter Workout Motivation

By Lindsay Tigar

When the weather outside is frightful, your motivation to hit the gym can be as well. Even the most diehard fitness fanatics lack winter workout motivation sometimes, finding it hard to get off the couch or out of bed to work out. As fitness coach and expert Nadia Murdock explains, "days are shorter and the lack of sunshine can severely affect your energy. Exposure to the sun helps release serotonin hormone in the brain, which is associated with boosting mood and offering an overall calmness."

That's why getting out of your home and back into working out is essential to maintaining happiness. Here is your dose of winter workout motivation for staying dedicated during the most wonderful time of the year:

1. Find an Accountability Partner

Skipping the gym is a lot harder when you have a best friend or sibling waiting there for you. Don't have a pal who is inclined to sweat? There's no better time to strike up a conversation by the water cooler, literally. Be bold and seek out a friendly gym-goer on the treadmill next to you. You can make plans to try the same routine or spot each other on a machine. By having someone to share in the challenge together, you're less likely to cancel and feel lonely in the dead of winter.

2. Try Something New

The same 'ole gym routine can get tiresome, so switching to something new can do wonders. And while it's easy to resolve to try a new workout "tomorrow," Murdock says delaying just wastes workout opportunities. So if you're a little bored, check out a different piece of cardio equipment, or schedule a meeting with a fitness trainer to talk about how you might add some variety to your gym routine. The change will help you feel refreshed -- and maybe even ready to take on that treadmill again.

3. Get Inspired

One way to prioritize your own health is to seek inspiration from those who achieved their goals. By browsing (and bookmarking!) stories from the Planet of Triumphs, you can be part of a community who motivates, supports and inspires one another — even on the coldest days of winter. After all, we're in this together.

4. Seek Good Vibes

Make your physical space more positive — even when snow clouds loom — by opening your shades and investing in a happy light that fights against seasonal depression. "This light offers similar benefits that the actual sun gives helping to release serotonin from the brain. Keep your personal space filled with good vibes: Investing in items that can help keep spirits up is important," Murdock shares.

Whether it's actively finding someone to help keep you on track, or simply creating a more welcoming space around you, the ways to keep you motivated during the winter doldrums are plentiful. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, and don't let the cold weather get you down!