Now the festive period is over and our clothes are a little bit tighter many of us resolve to get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature more – after all it’s free, great for keeping fit and most of us have easy access to beautiful coast, countryside, parks and hills.

However sticking to your resolution throughout the year can be tough as the day to day routine catches up with us and our motivation wanes.  Here are five tips to help you stick to your resolution and get the most from the outdoors.

1.  Set an objective

“I’m going to get outdoors more in 2013” may sound motivational but it’s very vague and not having a set objective makes it difficult for you to feel good about progress and it’s easier to put off doing something about it.

When setting an objective be realistic.  With the best will in the world it’s unlikely you’ll climb Ulvetanna within the next 12 months if you’ve never climbed before.  Think about your current activity level and set something that’s challenging but achievable.  It could be as simple as buying a pedometer and challenging yourself to walk 200 miles over the weekends of 2013.

Write your objective down and put it somewhere prominent and remind yourself of the saying: ‘What gets measured gets done.’

2.  Buddy Up

Trying to achieve your objectives on your own can be difficult which is why having a joint resolution with a friend can help you stay motivated and focussed.  You could also join a group such as The Ramblers, or a local group for your particular sport – a quick internet search will find your nearest group.

Joining a group will widen your social circle, help you achieve things that may not have been possible on your own and build your confidence in the outdoors.

3.  Remember the benefits

Why go to a stuffy gym or laze in front of the TV when there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored!  Enjoying the outdoors is mind blowing in what it gives you – it’s generally free, you’ll get fit and in great shape, and it’ll put you in a positive frame of mind.

So when you’re thinking of what to do on an evening or weekend remind yourself about what getting outdoors gives you in return for just a little bit of effort.

4.  Get inspired

There’s nothing like looking at the achievements of somebody else and saying “Wow!” to help get you motivated.  You may not be able to reach the same standard as our athletes in 2013 but they’re great inspiration to help you get outdoors and live for adventure.  Here are just a couple of their activities in 2012:

Leo Houlding set off to climb Ulvetanna on Antarctica

Karen Darke won a silver medal in the Paralympics

Steve Birkinshaw won the gruelling 200 mile Dragon’s Back Race

Philippe Gatta completed the Gobi and Atacama desert races

Mick Fowler climbed Shiva in India

The achievements of others can be good motivation and will help you keep your own ambitions in perspective.

5.  Buy the right kit

Being cold and wet can turn an inspiring hike or adrenaline fuelled bike ride in to a miserable experience that saps your motivation.  Keep yourself protected with our great range of outdoor clothing which comes with the Berghaus Product Guarantee so you can be safe in the knowledge that your kit will not only perform but will last as well.

We hope these tips help you get outdoors and live for adventure in 2013.

If you have any you think we’ve missed then please leave a comment below…

Berghaus Store

For outdoor clothing from Berghaus including men’s waterproof jackets, women’s rucksacks and more then please visit our online store.
You can find a wide range of gear for climbing, hill walking, mountain biking and other activities.