*Hint*: there's extra fat burning opportunities.

Working out in the winter can be great.

PT and founder of 12WBT, Michelle Bridges is a big fan of working out even when the mercury drops.

Winter really has a way of dragging down your motivation levels. When it’s cold outside, your mind will come up with every excuse to avoid getting out of bed and into the frosty air, or you’ll be convinced that your body is screaming out for just one more episode snuggled up on the warm, comfy couch.

But speaking from years of experience, you just have to rip the bandaid off. Without turning on the tv or having a shower, get out there and walk, jog, run, shuffle - anything that gets your blood pumping!

To help combat that inner voice, here are a few reasons why working out in the cold is actually better:

Improves endurance

Cold weather can actually improve endurance!

When you train in colder temperatures, your heart doesn't have to work as hard, you sweat less, and expend less energy, all of which means you can exercise more efficiently for longer periods of time.

Why winter workouts are so worth it.

Converts “bad fat” to “good fat”

Studies show that exercising in cold weather can transform energy storing white fat (sometimes referred to as bad fat, found around the belly and thighs), into calorie burning brown fat.

Brown fat's purpose is to burn calories in order to generate heat to keep the body warm. It is often referred to as the "good" fat because it helps to burn, rather than store, calories.

Burns more calories outdoors

Your body has to work harder to regulate its temperature when you’re in cold environments, so you’ll actually burn more calories during winter than you would in summer.

Same workload = bigger result. It’s a no brainer!

Wards off SADness

Training outdoors during winter allows your body to soak up some much-needed sunlight and Vitamin D.

This helps to ward away the dreaded SAD (seasonal affective disorder) that so many of us experience throughout winter.

Helps fight overeating

There’s nothing like getting your body moving to motivate and encourage you to eat well – and we all know how easy it is to overindulge when we’re cold!

Exercising throughout the cooler seasons will help keep your eating on track, ensuring you are well-fuelled for whatever comes your way, without the worry of the winter bulge.

To put it simply, regardless of the temperature, getting outside and doing any form of exercise is always beneficial. Of course, if you have certain conditions, such as asthma or heart problems, talk to your doctor first about what your physical limits are.

The most important thing to remember is to get into a routine this winter season that works for you. As long as you are regularly moving your body (any way, any how, any where!), your body will thank you for it.

So turn that fear into a thrill, turn the cold into some serious heat and get out there!

You can now start Michelle Bridges’ 12WBT on the first Monday of each month. The next round of 12WBT kicks off on July 5, 2021. Head to 12wbt.com to join.