For many of us, the idea of exercising outdoors in the winter or walking to the local leisure centre is distinctly unappealing. Finding a healthy dose of inspiration to stay active in the colder months, however, is great news for anyone keen to keep fit before and after the excesses of Christmas.
From joining an amazing local club to walking in the countryside, a key motivator is where you exercise rather than when you do it. This article explores why the place or setting where you work out can inspire you to be more active and enjoy the exercise you do more.
Join an Attractive Health Club, Leisure Centre or Gym
Leisure, sports and country clubs actively compete to attract new members. They might achieve this by installing state-of-the-art gym equipment, incredible spa facilities, and organising a busy schedule of popular classes to successfully entice new members.
Once you have identified somewhere with excellent facilities and all the sports and activities you enjoy, signing up for a new health club membership is a no-brainer. There are many options across the UK to suit every budget, from well-known branded clubs to your nearest local leisure club or gym.
Many leisure and sport clubs have an amazing array of options so finding something you’ll enjoy is easy, from trampolining and badminton to pilates and aerobics. Be sure to visit your local club or find your nearest gym to see what’s on offer. If the location is right for you and the place has the heated swimming pool and sauna you’re after, you’ll soon be rushing there before and after work.
right workout location
Meet New Friends by Trying Something New
Becoming a member of a club, gym or any health facility is the perfect way to kick start your fitness routine and meet like-minded people. Signing up for a trial session or a group class to learn a sport you’ve always wanted to master is a great opportunity to meet new people as well as be part of a team.
One way to keep happy and healthy is taking up a sport you haven’t played before or partnering up with a friend for a doubles game of tennis or as a gym buddy. Even if this feels a bit daunting, when you find the right club, gym or leisure centre, and it’s a welcoming environment, you’ll soon look forward to meeting your friend for that activity on a regular basis. To avoid letting them down, you’ll also have the added motivating factor of having to go with friends you’ve agreed to meet.
health club membership
Find a Magical Setting that Motivates You
Sometimes finding just the right scenic or inspirational outdoor spot to exercise can make all the difference and really motivate you to stay active. The mental and physical benefits of exercising in or near healthy blue spaces, such as rivers, lakes and beaches are proven. So too are the healing powers of walking in the countryside, immersing yourself in nature and forest bathing.
Trekking through wooded trails, cycling up hills or running along a gorgeous coastline satisfies your sense of adventure. Discovering a natural setting that feels magical or mystical can inspire you to push yourself further and enjoy your workouts more. Exercising in nature allows you to fully escape the stressors of daily life and clear your head. This mental break can re-energize you to keep going. In addition, the peace and quiet of a serene natural spot removes distractions, allowing you to focus on your workout and sensations.
right workout location
Boost Your Health with Regular Exercise
Before choosing where you might prefer to work out, there is no doubt about the importance of committing to regular exercise. According to the NHS, ‘movement is medicine’ and exercising boosts your physical and mental health by:
- Lowering the risk of major chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer by improving cholesterol, blood pressure, and more.
- Improving sleep and helping you fall asleep faster for better quality sleep and feel more refreshed.
- Managing your weight loss and maintenance with a healthy diet. This can reduce obesity and related health issues.
- Strengthening bones and muscles; weight-bearing and resistance exercises build strong bones and muscles to prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
- Reducing stress, anxiety and depression by positively impacting brain chemicals.
- Increasing energy by delivering oxygen and nutrients to improve cardiovascular efficiency, combating fatigue.
- Improving your circulation.
Rather than pushing yourself to go outside in the rain for a walk, plan where you are most likely to enjoy exercising to motivate you to get started. If you love the setting of where you exercise, whether it’s a run in the forest, a swim in a heated swimming pool or tying out a game of padel tennis on a new court, choosing the right location to workout is key. If you think you might struggle to stick to a healthy routine, remember, it’s all about ‘location, location, location.
