Staying Active During Mud Season in the Adirondacks
Mud season in the Adirondacks can be one of the hardest times of year to stay active. Conditions are terrible for both winter and summer activities, the weather changes constantly, and people have every excuse to blame their inactivity on the weather.
While the weeks between now and better conditions are not enough to create irreversible damage to your health, we do know that periods of inactivity can lead to lower energy levels, worsening mood, and even unfavorable changes in body composition.
Why Consistency Matters More Than Motivation
In the fitness space it’s easy to find examples of people on social media who seem to always be motivated. They also always seem to be tan and running on a sunny road with no snow, ice, or dirt. Coincidence? The truth is that living in the Adirondacks this time of year is not motivating, and you don’t have to beat yourself up for not feeling motivated. Fortunately, motivation is not what drives long-term results. Consistency does. Doing a quick workout a few times per week is far more valuable for long-term health than doing a 10-mile run on that random Tuesday when you happen to feel motivated.
Simple Workouts to Stay Active at Home
So when the outdoors are screaming at us to stay inside, what can we do to stay consistent instead of being hard on ourselves for not feeling motivated?
First, stop waiting to feel motivated. Expect that most days you will not feel like working out — especially when you don’t even want to go outside.
Second, instead of saying “I have to work out every day,” give yourself a goal of two or three workouts per week. Sometimes setting overly ambitious goals can actually make people feel more discouraged.
Finally, keep things simple. Pick two or three at-home workouts that include movements you somewhat enjoy.
Here are a few simple examples:
Monday – 10 Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible)
30 Jumping Jacks [VIDEO]
20 Reverse Lunges [VIDEO]
10 Burpees [VIDEO]
Wednesday – TABATA (8 Rounds)
20 seconds work / 10 seconds rest
Max reps alternating V-ups [VIDEO] OR
Max reps sit-ups [VIDEO]
Friday – 6 Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible)
10 Air Squats [VIDEO]
10 Push-ups [VIDEO]
How Peak 47 CrossFit Helps People Stay Consistent
At Peak 47 CrossFit in Saranac Lake, staying consistent is easier because there are friends keeping you accountable, coaches guiding the workouts so you don’t have to think about what to do, and milestones that reward consistency.
We focus on these things because results are what everyone wants — and the fastest way to get there is by helping people stay consistent, even when they don’t feel motivated.
If you’re looking for a place to stay active through mud season and beyond, we’d love to have you join us for a free week