PARC Fit trainer, Chris shares 4 tips on how best to embrace the cold winter days and stay fit and motivated.

When winter approaches, many of us tend to hibernate and find the comfort of our warm home and a hot chocolate a much preferred option. Armed with these tips, we’ll have you up on your feet and keeping active. And there’s always time for hot chocolate… just after your run or workout! 1. Make an investment Are you wearing appropriate exercise attire? I highly recommend that you invest in a beanie and hoodie to keep you warm, particularly on those early morning workouts. We have a range of PARC Fit attire available at Reception and did you know, members get 10% off! Have you considered investing in some personal training for a month or two? Finding the motivation to do exercise on your own can be difficult, so the support of a personal trainer could be a worthwhile investment. Even if you grab some buddies and do small group training. Come and see our Fitness Professionals in the gym to discuss what options work best for you. We currently have Pru’s 8-week challange in progress with the next challenge beginning on July 17. Maddy is also beginning her 8-week strength and conditioning program next week. For those who are interested, please email info@parcfrankston.com.au 2. Make the season work for you Grab some friends and head up to the snow fields. Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to keep fit over the winter period, and fun at the same time. Why not organise a nice winter walk or hike? Just ensure you rug up and keep hydrated. Make the most of what you have got, there is always something still to do in the winter, embrace the cold! 3. Reassess your fitness goals Take the time to re-evaluate your fitness goals. What do you want to get out of it? How committed are you? List the reasons you have for prioritising exercise, and think about everything you’ve achieved so far this year. How are you going to keep it going or increase the intensity coming into summer? What are your goals for spring or summer? Half-marathon? Tough Mudder? Triathlon? Whatever it may be, training with that forward-thinking mindset can make exercise a little more exciting. Be rest assured, there’s no pressure now to perform or compete. Come upstairs to the gym and find out what we have planned for TEAM PARC over the coming weeks.  Our PARC Fit Run group welcomes new members at any time. 4. Get back to basics Winter is also a great time to get back to square one. Identify what you need to improve on and get stronger. Start mastering the basic movements like pushups, pullups, squats and lunges. See one of our fitness professionals in the gym to see if you need to fine tune any techniques. Improve your core strength by trying one of our great group exercise classes such as Pilates or improve your flexibility with Yoga. #embracewinter #parcfit