Ok, so the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a top of 19C degrees today, so I expect to see HORDES of people around the lake at lunchtime…but winter isn’t over yet (dammit)!

The frosty mornings and lowish temperatures are set to continue for a while yet, and can really affect motivation levels – particularly when it comes to exercise.

I asked Latoya Maddigan, director of Eccentric Health and Fitness, to share her top five tips for maintaining enthusiasm and regularity in your fitness routine when you’d really rather be huddled under the doona.

LATOYA’S TIPS

Diarise it

Block out a ‘health appointment’ for your training sessions in your diary, treat it like something you can’t miss! It’s as important for your mind as for your body – you’ll be amazed at how much more energy you have after training!

Two bods are better than one

Train with a friend to make you more accountable – it’s much harder to skip out on your workouts if you know someone else is depending on you. Plus, many people find training with a partner really helps with their motivation and energy levels.

Get personal

Get a personal trainer to help stay on track – when you’re exercising by yourself, it can be tempting to take it easy and really not put in the effort. A PT can help not only with motivation, but making sure you’re continually challenged and that your workouts are meeting your needs in terms of your fitness and physique goals.

Layers are your friend

Make sure you wear plenty of layers before you start exercise so the cold doesn’t turn you off – you can always peel them off as you go!

Keep your eye on the prize

Use imagery to keep your eye on your goals! Find an image that represents what you’d like to achieve and stick it on the mirror so you look at it every morning and remind yourself what you are working towards.

Eccentric Health and Fitness offers personal training, corporate bootcamp and boxing classes from their new site at Majura Park – visit their website to find out more or follow them on Facebook.

What are your top tips for maintaining motivation during the cooler months?