by David Payne

Created on: July 20, 2010

The one season of the year when nearly all of us take a pass on outdoor exercise is the winter. Having spent the summer and some of autumn getting fitter we use the fall as a time to hibernate. Something ingrained in our prehistoric selves makes us just to want to curl up and sit it out.

Summer after summer we shed the pounds to improve our looks and health, yet every year we seem to tread water. The problem for the most part lies in the darker months. That same instinct to nest also increases our hunger, you body loses more heat and you therefore crave the replacement. And not in the best possible places either. Your calories go skywards as you become more sedentary. By the time we pass through Christmas we need all of the spring and more to take off our winter blubber. A vicious annual routine that most are unaware of.

Your priority must be to up your output during this period, not decrease. Getting out in the cold snap and being active through exercise is the best way to stay in shape and fight the seasonal influenza's. With correct warm clothing it will not be as daunting as you think. Just exercising outside three to four times a week for a hour or more will help maintain not only your figure but immune system also. When it is dark and cold and going outside seems the last thing on your mind think about how you will much ahead your body will be going into the new year. The tops that never truly fit even after a few months of rigorous training will slide on like a well oiled glove. Doing that hours walk in the bitter chill will help reveal your six pack later the following year. We all need these thoughts to motivate us when it is at its darkest.

Not only is is the physical side that benefits from this extra effort. Whilst you can never fully immunize yourself against influenza being fitter and more active will see you recover that much faster if you pick up the bug. Just as importantly the growing condition Seasonal Affective Disorder of which symptoms include depression, sleep problems, lethargy, loss of concentration, anxiety, libido problems and mood changes happens to many people at this period of the year. You may have this condition and not even realize. Getting out and exercising regularly releases Serotonin, Epinephrine, Nor-epinephrine and Endorphins which improve your moods, concentration and give your a sense of well being. Natural chemicals the body releases in response to exercise can combat S.A.D a great deal and push the winter blues away somewhat.

The health and life benefits of a winter outdoor training program far outweigh the need to master the art of duvet diving.

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