How to stay motivated with your morning workouts during these colder days

ASK MICHELLE

"Colder mornings are really starting to take a toll on my will power. What's a good strategy to get me up and going?"

I'm in the same boat. I don't remember my doona being quite so snugly and inviting three months ago.

Michelle Bridges: "Work out what you want to achieve by spring. A half-marathon, perhaps?"Photo: Ellis Parrinder

First and foremost, winter training is not the same as summer training. If you keep ploughing through the routine that kept you lean and mean in the summer, you're tempting workout fatigue. It's time for a refresher. So: new goals, new routine, new exercises and, best of all, new outfit!

Work out what you want to achieve by spring. A half-marathon, perhaps? Two kilos lighter, or maybe even two kilos heavier? Perhaps a wickedly graceful pigeon pose ...

Next, sort out your routine to suit. You may need some help with this from a trainer, but keep an open mind - it might be time to swap some gym sessions for a totally different modality to get you where you need to go.

Stuffed baked tomatoes with lentils.

Next, kit yourself out. A few sharp winter training outfits get me fired up. Then get out there and get amongst it!

Got a question? Then send me a private message at facebook.com/Mishy.Bridges

-

WORKOUT MAKEOVER

Damon Gameau, 38, actor, filmmaker, author

Damon's workout: Exercise has been sorely missing in my life lately. I blame the baby, workload and travel, but I am quite lazy when it comes down to it. I always feel better when I do exercise, though. I've never done much cardio; the thought makes me feel uncomfortable.

Damon's goal: My goals are to feel strong again in my posture, to feel some flexibility in my movement and to create a regular routine of active movement that can be used anywhere, anytime.

Michelle says: Damon, I'm seeing straight through the fog of excuses, self-pity and fear-of-cardio: this is essentially an advanced case of I-can't-be-arsed. Come on. Admit it. This is Michelle Bridges you're talking to, goddamit, and I've heard it all a bazillion times before, so cut the bull and let me give it to you straight.

So here's the plan: Your description tells me that you need to physically express yourself in your exercise routine or you'll get bored. The Just-F...ing-Do-It card simply won't work with you, my friend, so here's what to do.

Stage 1: Everything you want to achieve - postural strength, flexibility in your movement, convenience - you'll find in power yoga. This vigorous vinyasa-style yoga has a strong fitness flavour, emphasising strength and flexibility.

You can do it anywhere, anytime (although I recommend mornings), and you'll be able to express yourself in your movements.

Stage 2: Feeling adventurous? Try Animal Flow. Check it out - OMG!

Damon Gameau is the author of That Sugar Book (Pan Macmillan).

-

STUFFED BAKED TOMATOES WITH LENTILS

4 large vine-ripened tomatoes

400g can brown lentils, rinsed and drained

150g lean lamb mince

2 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

1/2 tsp allspice

2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp grated low-kilojoule

cheddar cheese

salad leaves, to serve

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper.

Cut the top off each tomato. Scoop out the flesh and pulp, leaving a shell about a centimetre thick. Discard the pulp and roughly chop the flesh.

Combine the lentils, mince, spring onions, allspice, parsley and 2 tbsp of the tomato flesh in a large bowl. Season with pepper.

Stuff the tomatoes with the lentil mixture, place on the baking tray and top with the grated cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the stuffing is golden and cooked through. Serve with the salad leaves.

Serves 2

-

I'M LOVING: BONE BROTH

I'm not getting all Paleo on you, but I'm loving bone broth. It's a great addition to your winter soup recipes, as well as being highly nutritious. Plus, it's dead easy to prepare!

#fruits