Those who enjoy exercising outdoors during the summer months sometimes have trouble keeping up the routine through the winter. A gym can provide a great option for keeping fit during the colder season because it’s warm, bright and provides a social atmosphere that can really help to keep you motivated. The only problem with this plan is that gyms often require yearly memberships – so when it’s warm out, you’re stuck paying for nothing.

gym2.JPG

The Health Benefits of Exercise
Did you know that every year 14% of the population of the United States has to deal with the symptoms of SAD, also known as seasonal depression? This information comes straight from the Center for Disease Control, or CDC. Some people use light therapy, also known as phototherapy, to help with their seasonal affective disorder, while others try medication and psychotherapy.

Only 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day can help drastically reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. With just a few minutes a day, less than the amount of time it takes to eat lunch, you can get back to exercising and use your workout routine as a way to help get you through the rest of the winter and those frustrating SAD symptoms.
 
Getting Back to Exercise
Maybe you’re somebody who exercised a lot and then stopped. Maybe you’re somebody who has never committed to an exercise routine because you’re scared or don’t know how to get started. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about any of these things if you pick the right gym.

How to Stick to a Workout Routine
If you’re depressed and feeling as though winter will never end, how do you stick to a workout routine and what are some workout and health tips that can help to keep you motivated and returning to the gym? There are a few ways, but one of the best is to go to a pay-per-use gym rather than a traditional gym that requires an expensive long-term membership.

A pay-per-use gym will help you to follow through with each workout because you know that you’re paying for each use. The fact that you can utilize the gym whenever you have time is also a great incentive.

It’s also a great idea to join a gym with a friend. If you can find someone else who struggles with SAD you’ll have a partner who understands how difficult getting motivated to workout can be and who will be there to support you when you need a cheering section. And you can do the same for them!

If you’re struggling to get back to the gym after spending the winter in hibernation, then try a new option like a pay-as-you-go gym to help you break out of bad routines. You can also try working out with a friend or speaking with a personal trainer. There are a few good options to help you get going again, but whatever works to get you moving is always the best way to go!