Tips For Staying Fit When It's Dark Outside

Need some tips to stay fit when it’s dark outside? Is the sun gone by the time you are done your workday? Is it too cold to work out outdoors?

Finding the motivation when it's both dark and cold can be challenging, but if you want that endorphin rush, you have to push through.

Regular exercise will give you more energy and strengthen your immune system, which will come in handy fighting against all the germs looming out there.

1. Wear the right clothing. If you are going to battle the cold, invest in some quality winter activewear. Gloves, headbands, and leggings. You want to be comfortable while you are outdoors. Always wear bright colors when you are outdoors at night. Never wear black or dark-colored clothing.


2. Stick to your plan. Set goals and a plan and stick to it. It may help to share them with friends or family or a personal trainer.


3. Warm up. Before you head outside in the cooler weather, warm up by doing a few crunches or jumping jacks. This movement will help get the blood flowing to your muscles.


4. Be reflective. Wear a reflective vest, glow in the dark stickers for your hat and shoes, or wrist and ankle bands to be more visible to those driving when it’s dark. This reflective belt for runners is less than $10 and is both sturdy and stretchy to keep you comfortable and safe.


5. Move in the right direction. Always bike with traffic and run against traffic. This rule of thumb applies at all times of the day, not just when it’s dark outside. Oncoming traffic can see you much clearer when you move in the right direction. With drivers distracted by the radio, kids, phone calls, it only takes a second for an accident to happen.


6. Get a buddy. Find someone who is like-minded and will help you stick to a routine. Walking in the dark with someone else is always safer and keeps you motivated. There is strength and safety in numbers.

7. Exercise first thing in the morning. If you want to work outside, it may be easier to head outdoors as the sun rises. When weather permits, you can get ahead of the darkness.



Motivation is a choice, not just a feeling. Make a decision, take action and remind yourself that only you can make a choice to stick to an exercise routine. Follow your instincts. If you feel unsafe, trust your gut and get to a safe location or call the police if you notice suspicious activity.

Remember, exercising anytime is good for your health.


Hop over to another blog post that explains the importance of keeping your health a priority.