As the days shorten and the cold settles in, it’s easy to feel like hibernating for the winter. The idea of braving the cold for a workout can feel daunting, and motivation may dip with the dwindling sunlight. Wondering how to stay active in winter? Rather than retreating into your cosy blanket, why not embrace the season and keep moving? The “brrr” months don’t have to be about feeling sluggish or putting your fitness routine on hold. In fact, it’s the perfect time to nurture your body and mind. Let’s discover the best exercise to do in Winter, and here’s how Tempo Pilates can help! Plus some tips to make this winter your healthiest yet.
Warm Studio, Big Results
First, let’s start with a simple win: no need to venture into the cold! At Tempo 301, our heated studios create a welcoming, cosy environment that encourages you to step away from the cold and into something much more comfortable. While the world outside may be grey and dreary, our studios provide a warm space to focus on you, making all the difference. When you’re working out in a warm, controlled environment, it’s easier to stay motivated. Plus, the low-impact movements of Tempo Pilates are gentle on your joints, which is perfect when the cold weather makes everything feel stiff and sore.
Get Moving to Music
When it’s cold and dark outside, music is one of the best ways to keep your energy high and stay motivated. At Tempo 301, our music curator carefully designs our ever-changing playlists, picking tracks that perfectly match the flow of each class. Every song is specially curated to align with the tempo of the movements, helping you stay in rhythm and push you through each exercise.
But it’s not just about getting you in the mood to move, music has a real impact on performance. Studies show that it can reduce the perceived effort of a workout, so you’ll feel like you’re working less hard than you actually are. It can also boost endurance, allowing you to keep going, even when you start to feel fatigued. Your brain responds to music in a way that helps you push through discomfort, activating muscles and modulating your heart rate to keep you in the zone.
So how do you stay active in the winter months? By moving to the beat in our classes! You’re not only following the rhythm, but boosting your workout, making it easier to stay motivated, focus, and improve your performance.
“Great music, friendly atmosphere. I’ve been attending weekly classes for a year and a half and love this place!” – Natalie | Google Review
Embrace the Challenge this Winter
When the cold hits, and you’re wondering what the best exercise to do in Winter is… it’s easy to feel like a nap is the best option. But here’s the thing about Pilates, it’s a workout that challenges both your body and mind. And while it might feel like you’re lying down (lucky, right?), don’t be fooled. The controlled movements used in Tempo Pilates work your muscles hard, and the results speak for themselves.
The best part? The more you push yourself, the more you’ll want to come back for more. Tempo Pilates is highly addictive because you’re building strength with each class, and the combination of resistance, core work, and timed movements creates a challenging and incredibly rewarding workout. You’ll be surprised at how great you feel afterwards, and even more surprised at how much you start to crave that sense of accomplishment.
Be Kind to Yourself
Winter can be tough on your body and mind, and it’s okay to adjust your routine based on how you’re feeling. Sometimes, it’s not about pushing harder but giving yourself the grace to slow down when needed. If you feel like your usual workout isn’t quite right for the day, try changing it up.
If you’re feeling low-energy or needing a gentler class, that’s okay too. It’s all about listening to your body and staying consistent, even if the routine looks a little different. Some days might be about strength-building; other days might be about stretching and recovery. This flexibility helps you stay committed without feeling overwhelmed.
Movement that Feels Good in Cold Weather
As the colder months settle in, it’s the perfect time to shift the focus of your workouts. Reformer Pilates offers more than just a fitness routine, there’s many reasons why it’s the best exercise to do in winter. It’s a chance to reconnect with your body, ease tension, and nurture both strength and flexibility. Instead of chasing perfection or pushing to the extreme, allow yourself to enjoy the flow of the movement.
In winter, Pilates becomes a moment of self-care, where the rhythm of each breath helps you feel grounded and present. It’s about celebrating the gradual improvements – mastering a move or simply noticing you feel stronger than last week. The real reward is in how good your body feels along the way.
Stay Consistent, and Stay Active This Winter
Above all, consistency is key. Winter can bring all sorts of distractions, from holidays to extra layers of clothing, but staying on track with your fitness goals is crucial. That doesn’t mean you have to follow the same routine every time. In fact, changing things up, trying a new class, pushing yourself with a harder challenge, or simply switching up the times you come to class, can keep things fresh and exciting.
When you stay consistent, even when the weather is working against you, you’ll come out stronger, both physically and mentally. And with each class, you’ll realise that the colder months don’t have to stop you from moving, feeling good, and achieving your fitness goals.
Light Therapy
If you’re struggling with a lack of daylight, why not consider incorporating light therapy into your routine? Exposure to natural light, from a bright window or a SAD lamp, can help boost your mood and improve your energy. While Pilates itself will leave you feeling mentally refreshed and physically strong, adding light therapy can work wonders for combatting the effects of seasonal changes. This simple practice can make a world of difference on those darker days. Investing in a SAD lamp for the winter months could change your life!
Feeling Strong This Winter
The colder months are inevitable, but so is the opportunity to prioritise your well-being. So what is the best exercise to do in winter? With Tempo Pilates, you can stay warm, strong, and motivated throughout the cold weather. This is the time to nurture your body and mind: through a Reformer Pilates class, giving yourself grace on days you need it, or simply having fun with your fitness routine. Unlike other workouts, Pilates is focused on controlled movement that strengthens and tones without overwhelming your body – so don’t let the winter chill keep you from staying active. Come for the warmth, stay for the challenge, and leave feeling stronger and more energised than ever before.
Remember, your health doesn’t pause because the seasons change. So, let’s get moving, and make this winter your strongest one yet!
Next Steps!
How to stay active during the winter months? Book a Tempo Pilates class and feel the benefits. If you’re new to Tempo 301 you can take advantage of our intro offer: 3 classes for £45. We also have a variety of packages and offers available on our pricing page. Looking for your nearest studio? We offer our highly addictive Reformer Pilates classes in E1 | Shoreditch, E8 | London Fields and SE17 | Elephant and Castle. And check out our previous blog: Is Reformer Pilates Really Worth Your Time and Money? Not only is it the best exercise to do in winter, helping you stay active and energised despite the cold, but it also provides long-term benefits. From improving strength and flexibility to boosting your mental well-being, reformer Pilates will support your fitness journey throughout the year, no matter the season!
