The time for long walks and jogging outdoors is officially over, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose all the progress you’ve made so far this year. iGym are sharing their top three tips for making winter count and getting the most out of your membership. Not a member yet? I, too, am often a fence sitter when it comes to commitments more significant than a Netflix subscription, but thankfully iGym offer a no strings attached two-week trial so you can dip your toes in first.

How much money do you typically spend per month on takeaway comfort food during winter?

…Yeah I don’t want to answer that either.

iGym made the all-to-practical suggestion to skip Friday night pizza, make myself soup at home and use the money I saved to invest in my very own personal trainer.

“Personal trainers are the most efficient way to achieve your goals. They will keep you accountable, prescribe your exercise and push you to follow through. They can also offer education around making better food choices,” said someone with the motivation I strive to achieve.

Personal trainers are a great way for beginners to learn the ropes, and for more experienced gym-goers to break barriers and smash their goals.

An iGym membership includes group fitness classes at no extra cost, so it is certainly worth a shot. Classes are a great way to hold yourself accountable if you are the procrastinating type, plus you can meet other members of the gym who are trying to do the same things you are. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is often a recipe for success, both inside and outside of the gym.

If you (like me) are a bit of a fitness beginner, group classes offer the guidance and coaching of professionals in a safe environment, which is an excellent way to avoid the feeling that everyone will notice you using the heavy pulling machine thing wrong all by yourself on the gym floor.

There are heaps of classes to choose from at a variety of times (so no making the “my schedule is too full” excuse), plus they’re free! I can think of exactly 0 reasons not to try at least one. Sign me up.

Because everything is better with a friend! Bringing someone along is a great way to have fun with your workout and get your socialising in at the same time. Friends who train together, stay together. Members, refer a friend today and start reaping the rewards of training with a buddy!

I think we have all run out of reasons to stay on the lounge this winter. It is time to get out and get active; your summer-self will thank you for it.