So as we edge toward the end of April, I think it’s safe to say it: winter is coming.
And let’s be honest - has the weather talk not been the ongoing thing for us South Africans?
As the temperatures start to drop, the very familiar words in every conversation appear:
“We’re in for a cold one this year!”
But isn’t that what we say every year?
How to Prep Your Routine When the Cold Creeps In
Honestly, I’ll never forget my first winter back in Joburg… and also the first time I ever saw snow. In Alberton. Of all places.
But as we know, winter tends to bring a slower rhythm to life.
And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan like me, you’ll remember how those people prepped for winter for five entire seasons.
So in today’s blog post, I want to touch on those few things that come in handy when we feel the winter slump creeping in.
Winter Is a Slower Season
Winter doesn’t have to mean the death of your routine. Or the guilt of not having one.
In fact, it might just be the perfect time to pause, reassess, and build new habits that actually stick.
It’s hermit season, and there’s no shame in being curled up with a blanket and binge-watching The Real Housewives (or your comfort series of choice). Yes, I see you.
But if you’re struggling to stay motivated, you’re not lazy. You’re human.
There’s real science behind this winter fatigue:
- Your body naturally craves warmth and rest
- Less daytime = less vitamin D, which can affect your mood and energy levels
- And let’s face it - your bed becomes a magnetic force field of coziness
So if you’re battling with consistency, don’t panic. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not broken.
Embracing the Season (Without Losing Yourself)
Winter is a naturally reflective season. It invites us to slow down, yes - but also to build the kind of quiet consistency that pays off later.
Discipline doesn’t always come from hustle. Sometimes, it comes from gentle, regular check-ins with your body.
And yes, I know winter is uncomfortable for many of us (preaching to the choir here) - but some people do thrive in it.
And if you’re not one of them, I got you.
So, what can we do to make this a little easier on ourselves?
5 Small Tweaks to Keep You Moving Through Winter
1. Switch Up Your Training Time
Your 5am summer “Get IT!” energy might not survive winter. That’s okay.
Try mid-morning or lunch workouts when your body’s already a bit warmer and more awake.
2. Layer Up Like a Legend
If you have a 6am session, lay out your gear the night before - gloves, beanie, fuzzy socks, all of it.
The less you have to think about it in the morning, the more likely you are to actually do it.
3. Warm Up - For Real
Cold muscles are tight muscles.
Spend extra time warming up with light cardio or mobility drills to prevent injury and make your session smoother.
4. Adjust the Goalposts
Winter isn’t about smashing summer PBs.
It’s the time for mobility, rehab, postural work, and low-impact strength training (hello, indoor Pilates).
5. Make Movement a Non-Negotiable (but Flexible)
Consistency beats intensity.
Even 15 minutes a day counts - a walk, a few stretches, or some foam rolling can go a long way.
Set a Winter Intention
This could be your season to:
- Improve posture (especially when you're curling into a ball to brave the cold)
- Finally deal with that nagging hip/knee/back pain
- Or maybe join a focused program - like the Lower Body Rehab series I’ll be running as part of my holistic workshops this winter
Winter doesn’t have to be about surviving. It can be about, and I really love this, softly thriving. In slower movement, in stillness, in cozy consistency.
Here’s to staying warm, grounded, and a little stronger - one winter day at a time.
Love, Dani
