Wrap up warm: The best coats for your body shape

There’s no doubt that the temperatures have dropped, and when you’re colder your body has to work harder to warm-up as it’s using more energy. Make sure you give your body the time it needs to warm up and prepare your body for exercise by eating plenty of carbs before hand

We’re all more susceptible to colds in the winter months and over-training can make you even more likely to catch the sniffles. Know your limits. If your body feels tired and in need of a rest then let it have its way

There’s nothing better than crisp winter days with the sun shining and a clear sky. So make the most of it! Find a nearby park where you can go for a long run, or challenge yourself to cycle into work in the mornings. You’d be amazed at how it can prepare you for the day

As the case always is when you’re training – safety must come first. A lot of the time when you’re exercising it’ll be dark outdoors. Make sure you’re wearing the right safety equipment to be seen and avoid running in quiet places on your own (it’s the perfect opportunity to rope your friend into a workout too).If the weather outside is snowy or icy then be wary when running outside. Make sure your trainers have the right grips and you’re dressed appropriately in lightweight, thermal training gear

If you do manage to work out in daylight, make sure you’re making the most of it. Everybody needs vitamin D and we get most of this from direct exposure to sunlight. With little chance to get out in the sunlight during winter, simply rolling up your sleeves once your body has warmed up, will help you get the sunlight you need

If the cold weather isn’t for you, or it’s raining cats and dogs – then use this as the perfect opportunity to try a new indoor workout. Whether it’s kickboxing, dance class or even yoga, lots of gyms offer group classes as part of their membership

Everyone experiences peaks and troughs in their fitness and we all know that feeling – you wake up, it’s dark. You get home, it’s dark. The last thing on your mind is dragging yourself out of a warm house to exercise. But just because that fear of getting into a bikini in a few weeks’ time isn’t looming over you, don’t let that put you off. Keep in mind the ‘feel good factor’ that working out brings and build training into your routine

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