1. EMBRACE THE COLD
 Whether you're doing winter sports like skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing or going for a run or walk in your neighborhood park, the cold weather will invigorate you and boost your mood.  Our bodies work harder to stay warm in the cold, so you're actually doing double duty: getting a great workout AND burning more calories!  Plus. the harder you exercise, the more you boost your endorphins, making you feel happier, which on short winter days can be a huge relief.  And as an added bonus, getting outside in the winter will also get you some much needed Vitamin D from the natural sunlight, something in short supply in the colder months. Just don't forget your sunscreen!  I prefer Coola Suncare.

2. GET SOME NEW FUN WINTER GEAR
Let’s face it, you're not working out in the freezing cold if you don’t have the clothes to keep you warm and comfortable. Get yourself some fleece lined running pants, a base layer top that wicks away sweat and a down pullover. A hat and gloves are a must. I particularly love smart wool running socks! You will surely stay warm with your heart pumping. Just make sure you get back inside before you cool down, and don’t forget to apply a layer of face cream and lip balm to keep your skin hydrated.

3. SET SPECIFIC FITNESS GOALS
Summer bodies are made in the winter so take some time to write down what you want to accomplish over the next few months. It could be a 5K run, a 2 minute plank, a yoga handstand, 100 snatches with a 20 kg kettle bell, or training for a triathlon. Remember to do your warm-up and cool down inside. Spend 5 minutes warming up for your outdoor workout by doing mobility exercises: deep squats, high knees, push-ups, planks and basic stretching. Post workout, take 5-10 minutes to cool down inside with gentle stretching.

4. CHANGE UP YOUR WORKOUTS
In between outdoor adventures, try hot yoga (ahhh), pilates, kettlebells, rock climbing, tennis lessons, swimming — you get the picture. Have fun, mix it up! Find a workout buddy or personal trainer for accountability and post your fitness progress on social media to keep you motivated.

5. STAY HYDRATED!
When working out in the cold, you don’t realize how much you're sweating, so make sure to drink lots of water before, during and after your workout. In addition, fueling your body with a nutrient packed smoothie or juice is a great pre or post-workout treat. I love Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Juice recipe book. The only problem is deciding which one to make because they're all so delicious! 

6. CLEAN UP YOUR DIET
Baby it's cold outside,  so stay in and cook your own food!  Don’t blow all your hard work on a bad diet —  It’s ok to have a cheat day here and there, but you don’t want to split your ski pants! My favorite go-to simple, healthy and delicious meal is roasted chicken with potatoes and vegetables. (Check out Chef Marc Murphy’s recipe here).

7. MAKE MUSIC KEY
Create a smokin’ hot playlist to keep your heart pumping! Some tunes to get you thinking of the hot weather are Summer by Calvin Harris, Nelly’s Hot in Herre, and Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon. Click here for a perfectly curated playlist that will make your workout fly by in no time.

About Amy anci

Amy Anci is a leading fitness and health expert who is deeply committed to improving the lives of women and girls through health and wellness. A graduate of Northeastern University in Exercise Science and MA from Columbia University in Physical Education, Amy has a solid foundation in not only how the body works but also the pedagogy of teaching exercise and wellness coaching. Multiple years of personal training, her experience in sports medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, coaching multiple high-school varsity athletic teams as well as working as an Assistant Athletic Director and teaching physical education, have helped pave the way to create an amazing on-line wellness community. Amy’s mission is to educate girls and women, from puberty to periods, and pregnancy to menopause, to mindfully develop great eating habits and nutrition, and a safe and effective workout that aligns with their values and goals. With love and deep respect, and a good sense of humor, Amy will inspire you to take charge of your health by owning your stuff and help you to stop making bad excuses so you can create a successful and happy life.  For more information, check out her website or make an appointment to see her at Exceed Physical Culture.