Chances are most people who start a new programme, take up running, or join the gym during the summer find it much harder to keep consistent during the colder darker months. 

This is because the desire to go out and train when it’s dark, or cold is low. 

After a long day at work, heading back out at night to exercise seems really difficult. And even though it might only be 6.30pm, it seems as dark as midnight, and you probably want to get in your pj’s and get cozy on the sofa. 

Sound familiar? 

Here’s what you need to remember in order to stay in shape all year round. 

In order to have the body shape or conditioning you want, and be able to maintain that, you have to stay on the plan and keep up with the regular training even when the desire to, is low. Consistency with the programme is the most important part. 

And the mindset towards the training may have to change. 

If the dark evenings and perhaps the weather put you off, you have to change the way you look at the training and also the goal, and ask yourself this. 

What’s more important… getting in shape and hitting the goal despite how uncomfortable the journey might be, or stay in the uncomfortable place you are at now? 

The truth is the journey won't always be smooth, it won't always be easy and the conditions around the training won’t be favourable all the time. 

But if you want results you have to accept the journey for what it is and get the work done. 

The training has to be non negotiable. It has to be a habit that you just have to complete. 

I can guarantee that you don’t get up everyday and feel overjoyed about going to work, and some days would much rather do anything else than head to the office, but guess what, you go anyway. 

You get up, have a shower, make a coffee and head out to work. Because you have a commitment to your employer, your customers, your employees etc. 

But when it comes to making the same commitment to yourself, and the going gets tough, you skip the training and curl up on the sofa with a cuppa instead. 

You have to commit to the journey no matter how hard it feels at times. 

If you want the results, like really want the results, then you have to commit and continue. 

The truth is you won't always feel motivated. It is truly impossible for you to be motivated all the time. Even the most committed gym goer, or athlete won't want to train every day. But they are disciplined and they go and do what they know they need to in order to get the result they want. 

You have to remain disciplined, and keep up with the programme, even when desire is low. 

Go to the session, meal prep the results focused food, drink enough water and sleep well.


Yourself in 6 months time will thank you for the hard work you had put in and the results you have achieved.