by Jennifer Shipp

Created on: June 11, 2009

Staying motivated to exercise can be difficult all year round, but staying on track with an exercise regimen when it's bitterly cold outside can be a real battle. Will winter win or will you?

As a martial arts trainer, yoga instructor, and former marathon runner, I have spent many hours contemplating what makes me and others want to go do that winter workout. The following are a few of the obstacles I've observed in myself and others that have an effect on my winter motivation to exercise.

Being cold indoors has a big effect on whether I'm willing to brave the cold outdoors. Some people have internal thermostatic controls that handle cold temperatures better than other people. For me, I can be completely unmotivated to workout if my core body temperature is even a little bit chilly while I am sitting at my desk in my office. However, if I turn on a space heater and warm my body up a few degrees, I'll suddenly feel like hitting the snowy streets for a jog or heading out to the gym. Once my body gets moving, my core warms itself. But emotionally, I feel discouraged and tired when I'm cold. So, my first step toward motivating myself to go out into the cold for a workout is to warm my body up a few degrees.

A few years ago, I finally invested in some higher quality exercise apparel. As a female, I've found that it can difficult to find heavy duty winter-gear in the women's department. Indeed, stay away from big box stores when shopping for winter work-out gear. Head to stores that specialize in hunting, camping, or hiking gear. If you're a woman, don't waste your time looking in the women's section for warm clothes. The truly warm clothes are in the men's section. If you're planning on braving the outdoors for your workout in the winter, forget style in favor of a fit spring body. Knowing that your body will stay warm in your workout clothes can make a huge difference when you're debating with yourself about whether or not you're willing to head out for a jog when it's negative 10 degrees outside.

Spend the extra money on the higher quality clothes. Consider it an investment in your health. Paying for high quality winter gear that will get you out and exercising will pay off in fewer doctor's bills over the course of your lifetime.

Buy an indoor exercise machine. Every winter, in many parts of the country, there are days when it is not only unpalatable to go outside to exercise but also impossible. Whether you do your workout

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