How to be Hardcore and Train Outdoors In the UK Winter
It’s already started – after an amazing summer, the UK weather is terrible. And it’s only going to get colder. Here are my best practical tips and motivational tools for training outside in winter (yes even in January). LFG!
Why Train Outdoors In Winter?
Wouldn’t it be easier to take your training inside in the UK winter? Yes, but easier isn’t always best. There's something satisfying about being hardcore when the weather gives you every excuse to just do some push-ups in your front room.
There are lots of physical, mental, and general health benefits to training outside in winter:
Building strength and fitness
Outdoor calisthenics is a great way to develop and maintain strength through pull-ups, rows, dips, and other bodyweight movements. Keep training and you won’t have to rebuild your routine once the nice weather rolls around.
Get moving
Training outside gives you a reason to move your body on days when you might otherwise stay inside. Some people run – you can do outdoor calisthenics. Fresh air, steps, a weak winter sunlight in your eyes. It all counts!
Change your environment
Getting outside to train is great for your mental wellbeing and mood. Winter is a long time to stare at the same four walls of your house and office. Outdoor training keeps you connected with nature and shows you the seasons are changing.
Circadian rhythm
We might not get much sunlight in the UK winter, but every little counts. Daylight is a cue for your internal body clock and getting natural outdoor light in your eyes (especially in the morning) helps regulate when you feel awake and sleepy.
Should You Start Training In Winter?
If you’re reading at the start of your fitness journey, you might think it’s best to wait for spring. I disagree! If you can train throughout winter, you will be in such a strong place both mentally and physically when the nicer weather comes back.
Become someone who trains outdoors now:
1. Dress for the weather (layers are always good.
2. Adapt your training to the conditions
3. Start with short, manageable sessions
How To Keep Training Outdoors When The Weather Gets Bad
Dress for the conditions
- Wear layers you can adjust as you warm up
- Choose clothing that manages sweat and protects you from the weather
- Keep your hands warm before training
- Bring dry layers for after training
Warm up well
- Give yourself more time to warm up for skills
- Start with general movement
- Build properly to explosive or high skill work
- Adjust the session if cold or wet is affecting your grip
Have a plan before you go
- Decide what you’re training before you leave home
- Keep sessions realistic so you can complete it
- Have a plan B if cold or wet affects equipment
Winter-Ready Calisthenics Set-Up With Gravity Fitness Heavy Duty Range
Did you know we’ve got a special range of heavy-duty calisthenics equipment that’s inspired by the kit you’d find at calisthenics parks? These pieces are designed to live outside, not be moved about like our portable equipment.
If you’re building an outdoor set-up that will withstand the very worst that a UK winter can throw at it, take a look at our Freestanding Dip Bars and Freestanding Pull Up Bar.
- Weather protection: the steel is zinc coated and powder coated for added protection
- Serious set-up: the range is designed to give the feel and use of a calisthenics park
- Versatility: lets you work on pull-ups, ring training, dips and advanced cali movements
- Practical details: rubber bungs to stop water getting inside, adjustable feet for uneven ground
Make Winter The Season You Build Hardcore Habits
I’ve always said that the best time to build a routine isn’t when it’s easy – it’s actually when you need to put in extra effort. You don’t need to love every cold winter training session. I certainly don’t – but I love that I do them and I always feel better afterwards.
So get your kit ready, dress for the weather, and train sensibly. Spring will come, and you’ll be miles ahead of where you are now!
