Welp, it's that time of year where it gets so cold out to the point you don't want to leave your bed. Even taking off the covers becomes a struggle and when you first step out of the house your body says "Oh, hell no, I can't do this today!" And it's pretty much like that every day for 6 months out of the year, at least in the Midwest where I live. It gets dark earlier and causes that seasonal depression to kick. On top of it all, you have to cover up all your beautiful muscles that you were so used to showing off in the summer. Here are a few ways you can stay on track and not fall into that dreaded winter funk.

MORE VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin" because it's produced in your skin in response to sunlight. Because your sun exposure in the winter is almost non-existent chances are you are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium. Without sufficient levels, bone remodeling won't take place as it normally does, which could leave you suffering from weak and brittle bones. Vitamin D is also essential for cell growth, maintaining the healthy function of the immune system, and reducing inflammation. Supplementing the proper amount of vitamin D will help ensure that you feel 100% each day. A couple ways to increase vitamin D level would be to take a vitamin D supplement which you can get at any nutrition store or you can hit the tanning bed one to 2 times a week (or as needed).

FIND A NEW GYM

Perhaps a change of environment is the key for you? I'm going to throw out an example here. You know how you feel when you have been working at the same place for years, you see the same people each day, sit on the same computer, deal with the same clients, ect.? You eventually get burnt out. So you decide to leave that job and start a new one. Chances are you are much more motivated when you first start up the new gig! Same thing applies to the gym!

FIND A WORKOUT PARTNER/PERSONAL TRAINER/COACH

We can be our own worst enemy at times. You can talk yourself out of going to the gym in a split second if you wanted to. But, if there is someone that will be waiting for you at the gym, counting on you to show up, you will be less likely to back out. Just make sure that you and your workout partner have somewhat similar fitness goals. A fitness coach or trainer will be able to check in with you frequently to make sure you are staying on track and progressing.

TRY OUT SOME NEW SUPPLEMENTS

A good pre-workout supplement can go a long way and could be that little boost you need to kick start your workouts.

PREP YOUR MEALS

Since it is already cold out and you don't want to leave the house you might as well meal prep! Now you won't have to leave the house to get in your freezing car to make multiple trips to pick up your individual meals. Just prep everything all at once and your meals are all set for the week. No more skipped meals!

NEW WORKOUT CLOTHES

Pick yourself up some nice and comfortable workout clothes that you will enjoy working out in. I mean not snuggie comfortable, but you get what I mean. Looking better and feeling more comfortable can really put you in a positive mindset and could be the answer to your winter fitness blues.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

These are just a few ways to keep you motivated in the winter and keep you on track to hit all of your fitness goals. But what works for you may not work for the next person. So try a couple of these out! I hope you all have a great holiday and we will all get through this winter together and make 2018 the best year yet! Thanks always for reading my little thoughts.