18 Ways to Stay Motivated to Workout in the Winter

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It’s no secret that winter is hard to keep yourself in good shape. In dark, cold weather, exercising can feel more like a chore than an enjoyable pastime. However, we know how to fix the situation!

1. Attend a master class or a rider’s seminar, whom you sympathize with, however, do not forget that it can be cool in the arena, so warm up well, take tea and a notebook in which you can write down the exercises you like, so that you can repeat them later in training.

2. Avoid routine at work, come up with a variety of exercises, take part in an unusual challenge for yourself, try something that you have not tried before while working – cavaletti, small jumps (if you usually do dressage) or new dressage elements (if you are a show jumper). You will notice how your ride quality improves.

3. There is nothing worse than freezing until your fingers turn blue, pLook for a brand new warm sweater and jacket. Do not forget about layering, because it is better to gradually undress in the process of training than to spend all the time in a hot jacket.

4. It may sound strange, but give yourself a little refresh. Spend an evening with friends watching a movie with delicious food. Your horse will also enjoy a little rest.

5. Visit international competitions. For example, the Longines Masters in Paris from 5 to 8 December or the Global Champions playoffs in Prague from 21 to 24 November. Watch the performance of top riders, watch their warm-up, for sure you will be able to emphasize something for yourself and use it in the future. Well, or treat yourself to a glass of champagne while watching the route or ride 😉

6. In the warm season, driving outside is, of course, more pleasant, but underestimate the winter, practice in the fields, work in the snowthis will be good practice for you and your horse. If there is a forest near you, arrange a horse ride along the snowy trails.

7. Try to train in the morning. So the training itself will be more energetic, and you will recharge your batteries for the rest of the day.

8. Go to bed earlier. Yes, it would seem that this is a very banal advice, but everyone needs to get enough sleep, with this in mind, there will be more chances to come to a workout before school or work and recharge their batteries for the whole day.

9. Try to work beyond the elements, remember your first steps in equestrian sport, arrange days of gymnastics, work on landing, transitions from gait to gait.

10 Make the right playlist the right background music will help you recharge your batteries. Turn on through the speakers for the entire arena or listen to music with headphones.

11 Don’t try to bite off more than you can eat. Set goals that you can achieve. Build a training plan in such a way as to fulfill everything planned, the main thing is to do it well;)

12. Add a couple of training days, you can reduce the total training time, and come to the stable more often.

13. Attend a workshop with your horse, it will help you learn something new. Among other things, this is a great opportunity to meet new people and exchange experiences with them.

14. Feel free to seek advice from other athletes, they will be able to tell you what can be improved and what to work on.

15 Take part in club competitions. The winter sports season is not as dense as the summer season, so club competitions are a great opportunity not to fall out of competitive shape for a long time.

16. Develop and visit a cafe with your team. A shared trip to a cafe, cinema, or just for a walk will help you bond and take a break from your equestrian routine.

17. Look for the positive in snowy weather. Deep snow is a good endurance workout for your horse. Yes, there is romance in a snowy day 😉

18. Remember, winter is not endless, spring will come very soon, but every season has its own charm!

Source: horseandrideruk.com