Guest Post: Cathy Morton from Bottoms Up Fitness Manly
Winter has come (yep Jon Snow was right!)… but that’s no reason to run for your doona and hide there till Spring. If you love training outside but hate the cold, all you need is a different approach and it’s all about LAYERS!! You’ve probably heard the saying ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!’ and it’s so true!
These 5 wardrobe essentials may just make you want to step outside and get to your favourite fitness session:
1. A lightweight under layer will do wonders for keeping you toasty. Choose a wicking fabric that moves moisture away from your bod so your skin can breathe and sweat but not overheat. One ideally made from merino wool, like this one from Icebreaker, is perfect for training in the cold and damp. Just combo this with a jumper and you’re good to go.
2. Long tights that cover all the way down to your socks. I love Lululemon Speed Tight III for its sweat wicking fabric and handy pockets for all your training essentials – hello iPod with awesome workout tunes!!
3. A beanie to cover your head – or at least a headband to protect your ears! It’s amazing how much warmer you feel wearing something on your head. Plus accessorising is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face, especially if you go for bold colours!
4. Regulate your core temperature with an extra layer of insulation around your torso and keep your arms free to move for all those burpees 
A body warmer is the ultimate winter training accessory – and worth shopping around to find one that fits well. Kathmandu has an awesome Duck Down Vest but if you’re new to puffers and want to give one a go without breaking the bank, check out Cotton On Body.
5. GLOVES!! These can make the world of difference to your outdoor training. Get a pair of thin, breathable gloves to keep your digits cozy and agile. Run With Me gloves from Lululemon even have tech friendly fabric so you can change songs mid-workout without letting in the cold.
Now you’re dressed for the part. Here are some more tips to ensure you actually get to enjoy those awesome new clothes…
Don’t try and plan for the weather, train regardless. Set your kit out the night before and don’t peek outside to see what the weather’s doing when your alarm goes off – just get up and commit to your routine.
Find a training buddy. It’s one thing to cancel plans with yourself but it’s another to cancel on your bestie.
Reward yourself. Your first meal, shower or hot drink after an awesome winter workout will feel so satisfying so enjoy it mindfully! Other rewards can be new fitness clothes or training shoes.
Pack spare clothes. Keep an extra jumper and towel in the car so you can change out of your damp top and pop on a nice dry one so you can drive home snug as a bug in a rug!
Set yourself goals. There’s nothing like a looming fitness event to keep you focused and motivated. Winter is not short of these, including the City2Surf and Pub2Pub.
Join the BUF 40 Day Challenge!
Check it out, get involved and we’ll see you soon, ready to rock this winter season! FREE for BUF Members!
