When the sun sets at 3 p.m. and the temperatures drop to single digits, the last thing you probably want to do is get outside and be active.
We get it — without the summer sun, working up a sweat just doesn’t seem as exciting. However, it’s vital to stay active, even in the cold, dark winter months.
Today, we’re exploring why staying fit in the winter is important, the benefits of being active, and how boxing is the perfect answer to winter fitness. Let’s go!
The Benefits of Being Active in Winter
Staying active in winter has plenty of benefits, and we think these will inspire you to get out of your cosy zone and into your gym clothes.
1. Mental Health
Working out is a natural mood booster, as our bodies release feel-good hormones while exercising. These lead to less stress and anxiety, and can even elevate sleep quality.
Winter and the lack of sunlight can be tough for many of us. So, working up a sweat is a great way to counter the December blues.
2. Physical Health
Your mental health isn’t the only health reason to work out. Maintaining a workout schedule through the winter will also keep you feeling physically good.
A daily 30-minute walk strengthens bones, reduces excess fat, boosts muscle strength, and increases cardiovascular fitness. And if you level up your workouts, the health and endurance benefits become even more rewarding.
3. Routine & Discipline
The short, dark days are enough to make even the most dedicated boxer skip a workout. However, sticking to a routine and building discipline is one of the most valuable skills you can possess.
When you’re disciplined about working out, you’ll often adopt this attitude in other areas of your life, keeping you focused, productive, and resilient—even when the external conditions get tough.
4. Social Time
Let’s face it, many of us are less likely to socialise when it’s pouring with rain and dark at 5 pm.
But spending more time alone can actually lead to mental and physical health problems. Some studies have even suggested that loneliness and lack of community can lead to depression, acute stress responses, and an increased risk of high blood pressure.
Scheduling a workout session with your peers has never been so important.
5. Maintaining Your Skills
Lastly, keeping up your fitness routine means improving your skills throughout the winter.
If you pause over the cold months, you’ll notice it when you return to the gym in spring. So, if you want to work towards a new personal best or nail your footwork, you must continue practicing in the winter.
Boxing – The Underrated Winter Sport
What does “winter sport” make you think of? Skiing? Ice skating?
Forget those cliches. Boxing is an excellent way to stay active when it’s cold, especially if you’re sparring in a warm, state-of-the-art boxing club.
Boxing helps you maintain your mental and physical health, improves your focus and discipline, has social elements, and helps you build endurance and niche skills as you practice.
At the Bil Sha Boxing Club, we’re committed to supporting our boxers, whatever the weather. We’re open throughout December and the New Year with the hottest classes, personal training, and plenty of motivation to keep you active through the cold months.
Whatever your lifestyle, we have a membership package to suit your personal needs.
Get in touch here to start your journey. Or visit us in-person in our Kings Cross club at Unit 1, 9E York Way, N7 9GY.
