Winter is just as important as Summer in staying active and healthy.

In fact, training over this time of year has some big advantages compared to training in the warmer weather you may not have even considered.

1. Keep the Winter blues away

A lot of us become unmotivated during this time. As the days become darker and colder, we tend to hibernate, feel like we have less energy, and maybe even feel a little down.

One of the best ways to combat the blues is to keep physically active. Even if it is only a few times a week, this can make a huge impact in your mood and well-being.

Always remember training is not just important for your physical health but for your mental health too.

2. Boost the immune system and increase endurance

There are some great benefits to training when it is cold that you may not have even known.

Exercising in cooler months can really boost your immune system. This is one of the best ways to fight off colds which are typical for this time of year.

It has been proven to help with helping with endurance too. When you train in more challenging conditions, this sets you up with good training habits for the long term. This means you are more likely to continue training when the weather warms up.

3. Enjoy the perfect conditions indoors

It is a tough ask to train outdoors when it is cold, dark and wet, but a fitness centre has the perfect conditions to train in all year round – rain, hail or shine.

With many people deciding to hibernate for the winter, this is great news for you and your training schedule.

You get more attention from instructors and staff and no longer have to wait to use your favourite machine or equipment.

This means you stay more disciplined with your exercise routine and have a better chance of smashing those fitness goals you set at the start of the year.

4. Keep the winter kilos off

It is an unfortunate fact that this is the time we tend to move less, eat more, and become less active. This all leads to that dreaded winter weight gain.

The obvious way to avoid this problem is to keep exercising. In fact, this may be the time to increase your training. A Winter workout will help you maintain that body you worked so hard for earlier in the year and ensure you are well prepared for the swimsuit season.

5. Be ready for the Summer – anytime

Winter clothes may make it easier to hide away but eventually the warmer weather arrives which means dresses, shorts and (gasp) swimming costumes!

Many people are not ready for flashing more flesh, which means we go on some crash diet (which never work), hire a personal trainer or join the nearest gym – fast.

How much easier would it be to have simply kept up your exercise routine over Winter so you are ready to face the warmer months looking great and feeling confident.

That well known saying “Summer bodies are made in Winter” couldn’t be more true.