The nights are drawing in, the mornings are getting colder and urge to stay in bed for that extra hour rather than going to the gym is taking over. There’s just something about the winter that makes dragging yourself to the gym or going for a run seem like the last thing you would want to do. However, exercising weekly is important for your health all year round. Therefore, we have put together a few of our top tips for staying motivated through the winter months.

Treat yourself to some new gym gear.

There’s nothing better than having the opportunity to wear a new outfit. It seems to make an occasion seem more appealing. The same goes when you get new gym clothes. If you buy them, you’ll want to test them out and what better place than the gym. There are so many fantastic brands, but here are some of our favorites:

• Gymshark
• Sweaty Betty
• Fabletics
• Alphalete
• Under Armour
• Tk Maxx is also a great place to find cheaper, branded gym wear

Find a gym buddy.

If you’re new to the gym, it can be a daunting experience. Therefore, having someone with you will make it much easier and more fun! Furthermore, working out with a friend or a partner is a great way to stay motivated. You’ll be far less inclined to cancel a workout if you’re letting someone else down too. You’ll also want to keep up with each other, so you’ll be more willing to work harder, giving you a sense of healthy competition. If you don’t know anyone who’s in to fitness or who’s looking to start exercising, talk to us about the gym buddy initiative.  We will allocate you a buddy who will accompany you around the gym following a basic workout program to help you feel at ease and become confident.

Download a gym app.

If you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration in the gym, why not download a gym app. There are dozens of brilliant apps out there that can offer you some great workout ideas. They are also a great way of logging your workouts so you can track your progress. Some of our favorites include:

• Map My Fitness
• MYWELLNESS
• SKILLROW
• Couch to 5k
• Strong Lifts 5×5
• Freeletics
• Aaptiv
• MyFitnessPal

As part of your membership at PLM, you will get access to the fabulous Technogym App that helps you track your activity both inside and outside of the gym.

Remain focused on the benefits.

We know that it’s much easier to curl up on the sofa with a takeaway on a cold winter’s night. What’s a few extra pounds here or there, it is wooly jumper season after all? However, exercise is important all year round, not just during summer. Regular exercise keeps your immune system strong, allowing you to avoid the seasonal cold & flu! It’s also easy to feel a little down in the dumps when it’s grey, cold and miserable outside. But you’ll always feel much better after you’ve got a sweat on. Trust us.

Make a music playlist.

Did you know that you can burn up to 15% more calories if you work out to the songs you love? It’s worth sitting and making yourself an awesome gym playlist that you’ll be excited to work out to. Here are some gym bangers to get you started…

• Call on Me – Eric Prydz
• Lose Yourself – Eminem
• XTC – Solardo
• Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
• Duke Dumont – The Power
• Fade – Kanye West
• ‘Till I Collapse – Eminem
• Bodak Yellow – Cardi B
• Pump up the Jam – Technotronic
• Hungry Like the Wolf – Duran Duran

Set yourself goals.

Ferne Cotton interviewed Davina McCall in her podcast ‘Happy Place’ and Davina is well known for her passion for fitness. When asked how she always stays motivated, Davina said that she always signs herself up to something. Why not sign yourself up to a 10K, a marathon or even just set the goal of losing a certain amount of weight in a certain time. Smaller goals work well too! It could be to increase how long you can hold a plank for or doing 50 burpees without stopping. Holidays are also great for fitness motivation. Whatever it may be, having a goal is a great way to stay motivated.

You can listen to the ‘Happy Place’ podcast with Davina McCall here: https://player.fm/series/happy-place/davina-mccall

We know that the gym isn’t a passion or a priority for everyone. You defiantly shouldn’t feel guilty for ditching the gym for a takeaway on the sofa occasionally, either. However, we can’t stress enough how important exercising at least 3 times a week is for both your body and mind. You should never stop doing something that’s good for you.

We would LOVE to help you stay focused on your fitness over winter, so why not sign up with us today. We promise you won’t regret it!

We also have a limited time special offer for people wanting to try our fantastic facility before Christmas.  This allows you to try the gym for 1 month with no commitment to annual membership – click here to find out more.

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