Starting off on the right foot: 4 ways to start your winter fitness routine

The holidays are now well into the rear-view mirror, February is into the second week and so it’s time to get back into the swing of things. For many, getting back on track is a difficult transition in all areas of life, especially when it comes to getting your body moving again. Whether you’re using a new week, month, year as a time to commit yourself to a fitness routine for the first time or trying to get back into an existing regimen, it can be challenging to take that first step. But don’t stress! Instead, here are some ways to make it easier for you with some simple and approachable tips to start or resume your winter fitness routine.

Set milestones to celebrate as you go

Oftentimes when it comes to exercise, we focus on the distant end goal and overlook celebrating the smaller milestones. Acknowledging these achievements can boost motivation and energy, creating a more manageable path forward with the goals you set. Make sure that you map out specific celebratory breadcrumbs on your pathway to success and make it a point to congratulate yourself when you achieve those smaller, but no less important, wins.

Find the right workout space for you

One of the biggest roadblocks that can affect the ability to start a new fitness routine, or get back into one, can be the feelings of judgement in a workout space. As you look to build your winter fitness routine, make sure you find a space that makes you feel comfortable. A recent Planet Fitness study revealed that 61% of Canadians prioritize a comfortable and non-intimidating gym environment – an absolute must when looking for an atmosphere to better yourself and focus on your mental and physical health.

Start with a dynamic warm-up before every workout

An effective dynamic warm-up not only boosts motivation for your full workout, making your routine more approachable, but also enhances performance and reduces the risk of stiffness-related injuries.

By adding a dynamic warm-up into your fitness routine, like bodyweight squats, lunges, jumping jacks, or even jogging in place, you bring blood flow to the muscles while also lubricating your joints to get them ready to move to their fullest range of motion. And if that isn’t enough to get you excited for your warm-up, remember that it will also start to release endorphins from your brain that act as the body’s natural energy boosters, mood enhancers, and motivators!

Prioritize the rest and recovery that your body NEEDS

Starting a new fitness routine or recommitting to an existing one means that you’re going to be placing your muscles under positive stress and requiring them to do more work than usual. Without a doubt, soreness is going to be a part of your muscular growth and development, no matter your current fitness level.

Be sure to include static stretches at the end of each workout and incorporate other purposeful recovery techniques into your routine. This could include lying on the HydroMassage beds at Planet Fitness, resting in the massage chair or doing low-impact activities for your scheduled rest days, such as foam rolling, stretching, or walks.

With these tips in hand, you are ready to start your 2024 off on the right foot with a fitness routine that is not only approachable but achievable. Get started today on your winter fitness routine and start feeling the benefits of more energy!