The tips and tricks Rachael Finch uses to get motivated to work out in winter.

Let’s face it, staying motivated through the cooler months isn’t easy.

It’s quite cosy under the blankets with the curtains pulled shut. But I can assure you, it is possible to still have that ‘glow’ over winter.

Here are my tips to help keep you feeling fresh.

Create a routine

I aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day if I can. This helps my body get into a flow of feeling awake and ready to workout, and know when it’s time to wind down.

When it’s cold, it’s more challenging to get motivated so the more you get your body into a rhythm the better chance you have for success.

Tip: Shut down technology a couple hours before bedtime to increase your chance for a better sleep.

Welcome the heat

I workout mostly indoors over winter because, yep, it’s warmer in my lounge room.

Turn on some music and get moving. The beauty about all of my 30-minute workouts in my program Body by Finch is that they can be done in the comfort of your own home, with no equipment necessary.

The winter menu

Now tell me this doesn’t look good!? Coconut chicken zoodle soup, new on my menu in @bodbyrachaelfinch ✌️ Serves 4 1 tsp olive oil 4 spring onions, finely sliced 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tbs green curry paste 400ml tin coconut milk 2 cups chicken stock 500g chicken breast 60g vermicelli noodles 1 zucchini, spiralised 1/4 bunch kale, leaves stripped & shredded 1/4 bunch coriander leaves juice of 1/2 a lime 1. Heat oil in pan & cook spring onion until softened. Add garlic & cook for a further minute. 2. Add curry paste and stir through. Add coconut milk, stirring. Add stock and bring to boil. Add chicken to the stock and reduce heat and simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly. 3. Shred chicken & return to soup. Add vermicelli, zucchini noodles & kale & cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir through the coriander & lime. 4. Enjoy!

A post shared by Rachael Finch (@rachael_finch) on May 8, 2017 at 11:32pm PDT

Over winter I definitely find myself eating more warm, slow-cooked meals to balance the chilly conditions outside and keep me feeling cosy on the inside.

Eating more ‘earthy’ root vegetables like sweet potato, eggplant and pumpkin will give you energy and keep you feeling full for longer.

Get out your slow cooker if you have one, or if not, there are so many healthy delicious soups and stews that will have you smiling on the inside – my personal favourite from my program is the Chickpea and Spinach Coconut Curry!

Pack the night before

If you know you have a workout planned for the next morning put your active wear out the night before in a place you can see it.

I do this all the time and as soon as I get up I’m reminded of what I need to do and it feels like there’s less hassle to search for something to wear.

Find a friend

The best fun you’ll have getting fit, I know it for a fact. Transform your life with me and join our girls doing just that. March registrations officially open!! ???????? #bodbyfinch (Link on my bio page) @bodbyrachaelfinch

A post shared by Rachael Finch (@rachael_finch) on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:19am PST

I always notice that when I make an appointment to meet a friend for a workout or even just take a walk in the park, I’m held accountable and more likely to actually turn up.

My friends also give me motivation, support and inspire me to be a better person. The more time I can spend with them the better.

Fire up your breath

And I don’t mean switching mouthwash.

Breathing exercises are incredible for many reasons and I incorporate them into my meditation daily. Breath work can slow the heart rate, clean the lungs out, reduce stress and anxiety and improve energy levels.

Over winter I focus on taking bigger, deeper belly breaths with loud exhalations for a few minutes at the start of my meditation. I notice my internal fire heats up and it keeps me feeling warm throughout the morning.

You can find out more about Rachael’s Body By Finch program on her website, or follow her on Instagram.

P.S. Here’s a simple guide to not feeling bad about your body at the beach from Mamamia’s Holly Wainwright below.