Top 4 tips to beat the winter (exercise) woes

Those frosty mornings have already started as we edge closer to the official start of winter. It's easy to list off the excuses why you can't drag yourself outdoors for a run or a brisk walk - too cold, too dark, too forbidding...sound familiar? Don't fall into the trap of skipping those much-need workouts over the colder months - here's 4 solutions to the most common winter (exercise) woes.

1. "It's so cold it hurts to breathe". Solution: Research has shown that exercising in temperatures below zero outdoors won't harm your lungs. Some people may experience throat irritation if they breathe cold air directly - you can avoid this by wearing and breathing through a scarf.
2. "I'd have to take the kids out with me - it's much too cold for them to be outdoors". Solution: get everyone in several layers of clothing when it's cold out, so you can all shed them as you warm up. The outer layer should be a jacket with a zipper than you can unzip to vent. Take the kids down to the local park or oval. The trick is to keep moving - set up an obstacle course through the play equipment and join in! Lunge, squat, do bottom kicks, power skips, side steps, run forwards and backwards. A park bench is a great way to get in push ups, tricep dips or keep your abdominals braced in a plank. Then kick a soccer ball around on the oval - you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll all get warm and have fun AND get a workout at the same time.
3. "I just can't get motivated when it's so cold". Solution: set a spring time goal, get a training plan together, and JUST GET MOVING! If you want to be able to start running, then register now for a fun run in Spring, tell everyone you have, and raise money for charity at the same time. It's a great way to keep you accountable, help build your fitness, while keep you motivated and on target because it you don't train, you won't make the distance and you won't raise any money for your nominated charity who needs all the support they can get!
4. "I can't get out of bed to run or go for a walk when it's dark out." Solution: your mission it to get up and out the door - even when it seems like the rest of world is asleep. Get up and make yourself a cup of tea or coffee. Sip it as you get dressed (in gear that you've already laid out ready the night before), and carry your mug to the end of the driveway for a last sip before your workout. Once you start moving, you'll feel good and want to continue. And you'll feel good all day because you did.