Staying on top of your fitness during the cold winter months is tough.
The days are short, the nights are long. The air is cold and dry. Chances are there’s snow on the ground, disrupting your favorite outdoor activities. Personally, I love going for long walks in the woods during winter. But I love it less when I have to trudge through a foot of snow for hours on end. No matter how beautiful everything looks.
For me, getting through these long gray months with my sanity intact comes down to one simple thing: remembering why I workout in the first place.
Everyone’s “why” is different
I don’t workout to manage my weight. Some do, and that’s admirable. I workout because it brings me mental stability. It brings me peace. It allows me to slow down my mind, even for a moment, and fully embrace the present. Weight management is a side effect.
I don’t workout to manage a health issue. Some do, and that’s important. Sticking around for those you love is arguably the greatest show of love you can make. I workout because it makes me feel strong. It makes me feel capable. And knowing I can call on that strength and that capability during times of need is incredibly empowering. A healthy body is a byproduct.
I don’t workout to look good in a swimsuit. Some do, and that’s perfectly fine. Six pack abs don’t matter to me (anymore). Sculpted shoulders and chiseled features are nice to have but are ultimately unimportant. I workout because it helps me solve problems. Manage crises. Work through important decisions. An athletic body is the gravy on top.
I don’t workout to impress anyone. Some do, and that’s ok. I used to be one of those folks. I’d run as hard as I could as fast as I could. I’d lift as much as I could as often as I could. And all I got in return was injured and unfulfilled. Now I workout for me and only me. To show myself what I’m capable of. To show myself how hard I can work. To show myself I’m worthy of the physical gifts God gave me. If anyone is impressed by what I can do, great. It makes no difference to me.
I don’t workout to prove I can endure pain. I workout to prove I can manage pain. That I can embrace it, accept it, and get past it. I suffered a breakup recently. It broke me in ways I didn’t think possible.
I workout to bring me peace during this time of hardship.
I workout to find the strength to overcome.
I workout to analyze what went wrong, what went right, and what learnings I’ll carry with me into the future.
I workout to know that at the end of the day, what ultimately matters is that I love myself. Even if she doesn’t anymore.
Remember your why during these long cold months. Use it as gasoline when your fire starts to fade. When motivation starts to dry up and depression sets in. When the skies seem extra dark and cloudy.
Knowing your why can make all the difference.
Scott Mayer is a runner, thinker, curious observer and certified personal trainer. Visit the In Fitness And In Health website for training plans, consulting options and additional content.
Great comments, Scott. Sorry to hear about the breakup, but I've been there before...several times. Each one was great for a while, and character-building since I cared deeply enough to give the best I had to give. In each instance, a deeper friendship came of it, and love morphed into what it should be...kindness, caring and mutual respect. I hope that's what happened for you. You seem to be that kind of person. Best wishes for the remainder of the winter. You're a good source of inspiration for me.
Don Kirchner
Sedona, AZ