Winter Fitness Motivation: Tips to Keep Active and Energised
By Jess Tugwell, Personal Trainer, Life Coach and Fitness Team Member at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa.
As the days shorten and the temperature drops, it’s tempting to hibernate – to curl up, slow down and wait for spring. Yet, while winter invites stillness and reflection, it’s also the perfect time to reset, refocus and nurture both body and mind.
With my background in Psychology and as a certified Life Coach and Personal Trainer at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa’s Health Club, I’ve seen how staying active during the colder months brings powerful benefits – physically, mentally and emotionally. This season, focus on self-care, balance and achievable fitness to help you stay motivated, energised and well.
Why Staying Active in Winter Matters
1. Boost Energy and Mood
It’s no secret that winter can affect motivation and mood. The darker days and longer nights can leave us feeling sluggish, but regular movement helps restore balance.
Outdoor exercise such as walking or running stimulates the nervous system, improving cognitive function and supporting mood regulation. It also encourages the release of feel-good hormones that reduce stress and anxiety.
Prefer to stay cosy indoors? Our Hampshire spa and health club offers a welcoming environment where you can stay active, balanced and warm, whether through a gym workout, yoga session or a relaxing swim. It’s a place where self-care and fitness work hand in hand.
2. Strengthen Your Immune System
As the winter season sets in, so do seasonal colds and sniffles. But science suggests that maintaining regular exercise can make a real difference. Studies show that fitter adults experience 43% fewer days of respiratory illness in winter compared to those who are less active*.
To support your immunity, pair your workouts with spa-based recovery. Contrast therapy is particularly beneficial: try the ice room or cold showers to invigorate your system, then relax in the sauna or hydrotherapy pool to enhance circulation and soothe muscles. It’s a simple but powerful way to support wellness in winter.
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3. Support Restful Sleep
Our body’s natural rhythm often struggles during the darker months. Exercise can help restore your sleep-wake cycle by improving circulation and regulating body temperature, both key factors in achieving deep, restorative rest.
Gentle evening classes or a calming swim can help you unwind before bed, promoting better sleep quality and leaving you refreshed for the day ahead**.
Jess’s Top Winter Fitness Tips
1. Set Realistic, Achievable Goals
The key to winter motivation is consistency. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) and focus on regular movement rather than high intensity. Even small steps count. Book a session with one of our Personal Trainers to help you create a plan that works for you.
2. Use the Spa to Support Your Fitness Routine
Our spa facilities at Careys Manor are designed to complement your exercise and recovery. Use cold therapy (ice room or cold showers) to boost circulation and reduce inflammation, and follow with hot therapy (sauna, steam room or hydrotherapy pool) to relax muscles and stimulate the metabolism. Together, these support a balanced and energised body.
3. Mix Up Your Workouts
Keep your routine fresh by combining cardio, strength and relaxation. Join our range of fitness classes – from Pilates and Spin to Aqua and Zumba – to discover what inspires you. Variety keeps you motivated and helps your body adapt and strengthen in new ways.
4. Nourish Your Body
Your energy levels, hormones and immunity all benefit from proper nutrition and hydration. Focus on whole, seasonal foods and plenty of fluids to fuel your workouts and support recovery. Remember: food is not just fuel – it’s part of your self-care.
Wellness in Winter at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
At Careys Manor, wellbeing goes beyond fitness. Whether you’re training in the gym, unwinding in the award-winning SenSpa, or simply taking a mindful moment in the relaxation room, every experience supports both body and mind.
Take a dip in the pool, relax in the sauna and steam room, or book a massage to ease tension. Allow yourself to slow down and reconnect – this is what true self-care looks like.
Stay Motivated with a SenSpa Gym Membership
Our team of Personal Trainers are here to help you stay motivated to exercise in winter and beyond. With access to expert advice, uplifting group classes and state-of-the-art facilities, a SenSpa gym membership offers everything you need to support your wellness in winter.
Discover how a membership at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa can help you feel strong, balanced and re-energised – for your mind, body and soul.
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