Sophie Jaffe’s Favorite Winter Workout
When people ask me what my favorite workout is, I always tell them that it depends on the season. During the warmer months, I love outdoor workouts where I can enjoy the beauty of nature while getting a good sweat. A sandy beach yoga practice or a long hike in the mountains near my home is ideal when the sun is shining, but on cold and dreary winter days I like to take my workouts inside with some solid sessions in the gym. There are so many reasons why gym workouts are my favorite wintertime way to stay fit, and here are just a few!
No Excuses & No Distractions
One of the best parts about working out at the gym is that it leaves no room for excuses. While outdoor workouts can get sidelined by nasty weather, the gym offers a dependable space to get and stay fit regardless of whether it’s raining, snowing, or freezing outside. Since there’s nothing to do at the gym except work out, I know I can make the most of the time that I have set aside to focus on myself and my own well-being. I like to turn my phone off and tune into my breath and my body as I enjoy the sensations of being active and pushing myself physically.
Dress to Sweat, Not to Shiver
Lots of thick, puffy layers can make it difficult to get a full range of motion and can trap heat and sweat, which can make for an uncomfortable workout. Working out at the gym means I don’t have to stay bundled up while I’m exercising, even if it’s chilly out. I simply throw on some active wear, like the super comfy pieces from Champion’s C9 line for Target®, along with a weather appropriate outer layer that I throw in the locker once I get to the gym. That allows me to focus on my workouts instead of fussing with winter layers.
Endless Options
I really like to switch up my workouts regularly to avoid plateauing or burning out from boredom. One day I will focus on my upper body with sets on the lateral pulldown machine, tricep dips, and free weights, and the next I will give my legs a run for their money with squats and lunges. I also like to alternate between strength training workouts and high intensity cardio, like interval running on the treadmill. On days where my body needs a break, I’ll slip away into an empty corner of the gym and do some gentle yoga to stretch and lengthen my muscles while releasing bodily tension. On days that I am really feeling super-powered, I’ll do a super session and get it all in!
So next time you look out the window to find that it’s looking like sweater weather outside, remember that there’s no need to ditch your fitness plans just because of cooler temperatures, raindrops, or snowflakes. Just grab your gym bag and head over to that place where the sweat sessions never stop. Well, at least, not due to winter weather anyway.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Target® C9 through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Target® C9 all opinions are my own.