5 Winter Exercise Winners

Personal Trainer, Nikki Hathaway, lets us in on the top 5 ways to stay active in the colder, gloomier weather!

Exercise is never less appealing than when it's cold and possibly wet outside. But personal trainer, Nikki Hathaway, gets a large influx of clients at this time of year.

Some want to get fit for the ski season, whilst many just want to re-emerge in the spring all toned, trim and fit. So we asked Nikki to tell us about the best winter activities she recommends to her clients to beat the winter wobbles:

1. The Commercial Work-Out

"This is suitable for newcomers to exercise, or just people who tend to collapse in front of the TV after a stressful day. The idea is that every time there's a commercial break you do something for the duration – it could be press-ups, sit-ups or just running up and down the stairs".

Nikki also recommends sitting on a gym ball or swiss ball whilst watching TV "You do have to start slowly and build this up, but it's very good for your posture and you don't have to miss your favourite TV programme".

2. Swimming

"This is great for anyone who might be overweight as it's easy to watch your progress as you swim an extra length or two each session."

3. Yoga

"Another indoor activity, yoga is great for taking the stress out of cold dark days and helping you find some 'me time'. A mental, as well as physical activity, it soon becomes a focus for you to look forward to," says Hathaway.

4. Weight Training

Build muscles to burn calories. If you can't get to a gym Nikki recommends getting one of trainer Karen Voight's videos (karenvoight.com) on weight training and then practising at home with a set of hand weights – great for warding off osteoporosis and shaping arms for strappy seasonal party dresses!

5. Running

This is the activity that Nikki recommends to most of her clients. "You see results faster and each session is often an improvement .If you want to shape up quickly, this is the one." If you're fed up of centrally heated rooms then getting out into the crisp outdoors might well be the way for you. And, it's economical! Says Hathway: "My running club has three sessions a week, from every level from marathon runners to beginners who are still walking half the circuit. No one gets left behind and it costs just £15 for the year – just compare that to gym membership."

So, what are you waiting for? Nikki points out that even bundling the kids up in their winter coats and taking them for a walk on a crisp winter's day is enough to get you started and they'll love it too. And, if you can keep up an exercise routine during the winter then you know you're onto a winner the whole year around!

Nikki Hathaway can be contacted at nikkifitness.co.uk, or on 07970 174319.