GET FIT AFTER DARK

Don't let the shorter days interfere with your exercise routine. Here's how to embrace winter evening workouts

- Sarah Sellens and Sarah Campus

Do you fall off the workout wagon when the days get shorter? You're not alone. According to a 2020 YouGov poll, 50 per cent of women do less exercise when the nights draw in. We get it, there's a lot working against your enthusiasm for exercise right now - cold mornings, dark evenings, wet daytimes - but don't let the weather send you into hibernation! While the gym is a great place to be on bleak days, outdoor activity is important too, not least because it can help your body clock stay in sync.

Let's be clear, though, there are certain safety precautions to take before heading out for a run, outdoor workout or hike. Wearing reflective and high-visibility gear is a must-do for ensuring you're seen on dreary days. There's safety in numbers when it's dark, too, so joining a running group or heading out with friends is also wise. If that isn't an option, be sure to pick a well-lit route you know well and that's in a place where there are plenty of people. And don't forget to let someone know where you're going before you head out - tracking apps are useful for ensuring another person knows where you are at all times.

One thing that is worth considering, and that can make a huge amount of difference to your winter workout mojo, is the type of exercise that lends itself best to dull-weather days. Why? Because some sessions are, quite simply, safer, more effective and smarter to do when it's dark outside. Want to know which ones work well and why? We tapped women's personal trainer Sarah Campus for her top five night-training sessions. Read on and get motivated!

1 IN-THE-DARK HIIT TRAINING

What: HIIT (High-intensity interval training) combines short bursts of intense exercise with periods of rest. A quick, effective HIIT session that can be done in the evening could include sprints, jump squats, mountain climbers, press-ups and burpees.