When the clocks go back and the evenings get dark, most people’s training goes into hibernation. At Obstafit we keep going all winter on the floodlit pitch at Roath Park Recreation Ground, and some of our best sessions of the year happen in the cold and the rain. Here’s how to make winter training work for you.

Dress in layers you can take off

You’ll be cold for the first five minutes and warm for the next forty. Wear a thin base layer, a long-sleeved top and a light jacket you can throw on the side once the warm-up is done. Gloves and a hat are worth having for the walk there and back. Skip cotton if you can, as it holds on to sweat and rain.

Sort your shoes out

The grass at Roath Park gets soft and muddy in winter. Trail shoes or old trainers with decent grip will keep you on your feet when you’re dragging tyres or carrying kegs. Bring a carrier bag for muddy shoes on the way home.

Plan the session into your week

The hardest part of winter training is leaving a warm house. Treat your session like an appointment: put it in your calendar, pack your bag the night before and tell someone you’re going. Training with a group helps here too. It’s much harder to skip when people are expecting you.

Warm up properly

Cold muscles need a bit longer to get going. Our coaches start every session with a proper warm-up before anything heavy comes out, and that matters even more in January than it does in June. If you’re carrying a niggle, tell your coach before you start.

Why winter training is worth it

Keeping your fitness ticking over through winter means you start spring ahead, not starting from scratch. It’s also good for your head. An hour outside with friendly people beats another evening on the sofa, and finishing a muddy session together is something you won’t get on a treadmill.

Come and try it

Your first session is free. Email us with your name, phone number and which session suits you, and we’ll get you booked in. We train outdoors at Roath Park Recreation Ground every Tuesday at 6:30pm, Thursday at 6pm and Saturday at 8am.