It's getting to that time of year again when the thought of curling up in front of the television with a warm bowl of soup seriously outweighs the option to climb into your gym gear, especially if it's cold outside. The latest trend for keeping fit is to reward yourself for the effort with a simple treat that will keep you moving this winter.

"With winter upon us it's time to find some motivation to keep you training through the colder winter months. The winter months bring a sense of normality and routine back into life, the perfect time to get into gym and into regular work schedule. The elements may not be on your side this time of year and if you are an outdoor person, but there are plenty of indoor exercises to keep you fit and healthy during this period," says Fran Venter of Virgin Active SA.

It is important to always start your workout with a warm up and now even more so in the chilly season; the colder it is, the longer one should take to warm up to avoid injuries. Cooling down after you workout is just as important to end off your session, this will ensure that your muscles won’t be strained.

Fran suggests the following tips which will get your blood pumping and your body kept in great shape during the cold months:

• Know the difference between reason and an excuse. Stay away from self negotiation tactics like, "it's raining today so I will go to gym tomorrow".
• Set yourself a realistic goal. What you would like to achieve within a reasonable time frame.
• Use a visual reminder. When planning your schedule, log onto the Virgin Active website to view your clubs timetable and make a note of which classes you would like to attend — stick these onto your computer monitor or fridge to remind you and keep you motivated.
• Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Make sure that you don’t make any alternative arrangements during your scheduled exercise time.
• Plan ahead. When preparing for the following day, ensure that you pack your gym gear too and put it with your car keys.
• Get a training friend. By involving a friend into your workout routine, you will motivate each other to brave the winter blues and get to gym. Knowing you have committed to each other will drive you to keep training.
• Try something new. Vary your workout routine and try something new each week. Virgin Active has a great selection of classes to choose from such as dance, spinning and yoga, or try the new Power Plate class which was recently introduced into selected Virgin Active gyms nationwide.
• If you feel that you have not cheated and are on target to reaching your goals, reward yourself with a spa treatment or a night off on the couch with a cup of soup, this will motivate you to keep moving this winter.


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