Celeb trainer Michelle Bridges’ winter workout to convert bad fat to good fat

Celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges reveals five huge health benefits from exercising in the cold weather. See the video.

Winter has a way of dragging down your motivation levels. If your mind feels like it’s coming up with every excuse to make you feel like you should pull the covers up and stay in bed rather than heading out into the freezing cold air, then you’re not alone.

But you should get out there — there are some really good pros of working out in the cold. To help you combat that inner voice and “just freaking do it”, here are my top five health benefits:

1 IMPROVES ENDURANCE

Cold weather can actually improve endurance. When you train in colder temperatures, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard, you sweat less, and expend less energy, all of which means you can exercise more efficiently for longer periods of time! It also means that you can really push yourself and smash out an amazing cardiovascular workout, helping you feel invigorated and strong!

2 WARDS OFF SAD(NESS)

Training outdoors in the cold allows your body to soak up some much-needed sunlight and Vitamin D. This helps to ward away the dreaded SAD (seasonal affective disorder) that so many of us experience throughout winter.

You’d be surprised with what a bit of outdoor activity can do to your mood when it’s cold. Exercise gets your blood pumping, which carries oxygen throughout your body, refreshing you, leaving you more energised, able to think and focus more clearly. Plus, the rush of endorphins will help keep you feeling happy and healthy all day long!

Michelle Bridges says there are five health benefits from winter workouts.

3 BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

It should come as no surprise that people who exercise regularly are less likely to get a cold, with research showing that staying active halves the odds of catching cold viruses. So what better reason to lace up your sneakers and get out into the crisp fresh air a few times a week!

4 CONVERTS ‘BAD FAT’ TO ‘GOOD FAT’

Studies show that exercising in cold weather can transform white fat (sometimes referred to as bad fat, found around the belly and thighs), into calorie-burning brown fat. Brown fat’s purpose is to burn calories in order to generate heat to keep the body warm. It is often referred to as the “good” fat because it helps to burn, rather than store, calories.

5 HELPS WITH FOCUS AND FIGHTING OVEREATING

Too often, people let their fitness slide during winter, and then it’s a frantic struggle to get back on track once spring comes around. By consistently exercising throughout winter, you’ll ward off the dreaded winter kilos, and ensure you’ll feel fit and healthy year round.

By keeping focus, you’ll also be able to fight that urge to overeat. There’s nothing like getting your body moving to motivate and encourage you to eat well – and we all know how easy it is to over indulge when we’re cold. Exercising throughout the cooler seasons will help keep your eating on track, ensuring you are well-fuelled for whatever comes your way, without the worry of the winter bulge!

JUST MOVE

Regardless of the temperature, getting outside and doing any form of exercise is always beneficial. The most important thing to remember is to get into a routine this winter season that works for you. As long as you are regularly moving your body (any way, any how, any where!), your body will thank you for it! Go get ‘em!

JOIN: The next round of Michelle Bridge’s 12WBT program starting Monday, August 1. Visit 12wbt.com