Bursting with winter energy

During the dark days and cold weather of winter, the pull of the cosy sofa seems stronger than ever. Comfort food, binge-watching Netflix episodes…it’s normal to want to slow down and rest. All around us the natural world is closing down, and we must take our cues from nature and do exactly the same. It’s important to view winter as a therapeutic time and an opportunity to heal.

Balance is key

However, as with everything in life, balance is key. Not moving our bodies at all during the winter season can be highly detrimental. Physical abilities decline with inactivity, which can cause dynapenia (loss of muscular power), sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) or osteopenia (loss of bone density), and you can quickly find yourself in a vicious cycle of laziness, lack of motivation, signs of ageing or even illness.

HIIT- High Intensity Interval training for maximal winter fitness

In winter we must taper down our activity in terms of duration, opting instead for shorter, higher intensity bursts of movement combined with suitable periods of recovery. My fitness classes focus on HIIT Training, which is a 30min higher intensity interval workout, perfect for beginners as we adjust exercises according to ability and weights are not always necessary. The list of benefits is huge, but a couple of the main post-HIIT perks include:

• a hormonal boost from the surge in serotonin, the hormone responsible for regulating mood
• an increase in metabolism lasting for up to 24 hours, especially welcome at this indulgent time of year!
• an increase in muscle mass helping you to feel stronger and more resilient during the winter months

Most of our day classes take place outside whatever the weather either in Shalford Common or Blackheath Cricket Green near Guildford Surrey, and for some this will be their only daylight exposure all day. Topping up vitamin D levels keeps seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at bay. And the human connection alone is so beneficial for any winter isolation we might be feeling. Just take a look at the smiles that these classes put on everyone’s faces – even for those who found it hard to get up and outside, that feeling of achievement is tremendous.

One or two doses of this per week and I guarantee you’ll be feeling great all winter, plus that extra hour on the sofa won’t seem quite so indulgent!

Back on Track fitness classes take place in Shalford and Blackheath. Look out for our new members’ offer www.backontrack.live/fitness-classes/. If you prefer something more gentle, opt for our winter hikes in the beautiful Surrey countryside hiking events here 

For more information on how to thrive by syncing to the seasons through movement and nature follow us our Facebook and Instagram.

Written by Simone Dill and Sally Bailey-Gates
Published in the Vantage Point Magazine December 2024