BEAT THE CHILL

For many of us, winter is the time to curl up with a bottle of wine, forgo the pool, and head to as many parties as possible, whether for Christmas or New Year. Here’s how to beat temptation. Ross Dimmock

Winter is a curious time of year for fitness and health. Depending on where you are, the weather might close in; for many of us it’s party season at Christmas, New Year and other festivities. The office routine goes, and with it goes the fitness routine. If you usually go to the gym before or after the office, if there’s no office, then it’s easy to pretend there’s no gym. And if you’re off for a few weeks to a private island, then, well, all pretence at routine goes right out the window.

But it shouldn’t. So give the little devil on your shoulder a left hook and say no to temptation. Here are some tips I use myself:

1. Psychologically, the season can be all about letting go or trying something new, which is why fitness routines become easier to ignore. So…try a new fitness routine, fitness class, group or training programme. I have a Muay Thai Boxing Fitness class and I get a lot of people joining in winter, because they are curious – it sounds different. And they never leave.

It’s great for women, children and men, and it is a brilliant fat burner, great for your cardio and also for self defence. It is such fun that it takes away the feeling that you are working out hard – and is thus perfect for the season.

2. If you are away and out of your usual routine this year, don’t just give up. Whether you’re at the country pile or on a tropical island, go for a nice jog or run and do some basic bodyweight exercise afterwards. This can be done anywhere, unless perhaps you’ve taken the children to see Santa Claus at the North Pole. It’s important to do the bodyweight exercise after your run, so 50 squats, 50 burpees, 50 press ups, 50 sit-ups, and do this all twice (tailored to your level of course). Make sure you take some time to stretch yourself properly afterwards.

If you’re at the North Pole you can just do the bodyweight exercise – no excuses.

3. Being with your family is no excuse. Train with them. Even if it means adding a nice walk in the woods or park after meals. If you’re somewhere sunny (or with indoor courts like the Harbour Club), get the kids off the Wii and play some proper tennis. Or go for a family bike ride. Real sport also gives you a lot more to talk about than the virtual stuff.

4. From the start, don’t be lazy and allow yourself to indulge. A little of what you like – canapés or chocolates – is fine. If you don’t drink fizzy drinks for the rest of the year, don’t succumb now. It won’t make any difference to your enjoyment of the season.

Ross Dimmock is Muay Thai Instructor at the Harbour Club Notting Hill, harbourclubnottinghill.com