This time of year is synonymous with pumpkin spice lattes, fluffy socks, and rewatching your favorite TV show. But while we’re lulled into a state of relaxation, January waits around the corner. When it strikes, it brings new year's resolutions, busy gyms, and the pressure to win at #NewYearNewMe.
That's where the Winter Arc comes in: Helping you set your goals, get into your fitness routine, and have it pretty much nailed by the time January arrives–making it a lot less scary and more manageable. It's no wonder everyone on TikTok is jumping on the trend–and if you're planning on starting your #Gymshark66 journey in January, participating in the Winter Arc could make you a lot better prepared!
In case you haven't seen it, or you're wondering how on earth you can start your own Winter Arc, we've got everything covered: Here's everything you need to know about the Winter Arc–from the key dates and the rules to personal goal setting. If you're feeling ready for a challenge, then stay with us.
If you’re ready to start your Winter Arc, head to the gym with confidence by downloading the Gymshark Training App and selecting a workout plan curated by the Lifting Club Coaches or your favorite Gymshark Athlete. There’s no excuse for ever skipping leg day again.
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What Does Winter Arc Mean?
First thing’s first, what does the ‘Winter Arc’ mean? According to Urban Dictionary…
The Winter Arc is ‘A time where every man must face the mental and physical challenges of winter. A time to put your head down and get things done.’
It's been around for a while, and you only need to glance at TikTok to see videos of people heading out to the gym in oversized hoodies whilst it’s dark. For many, this is what Winter Arc means: Getting up early and setting healthy habits, particularly in terms of working out, eating well, and mindfulness. That might mean doing a 5-day-a-week workout plan or joining a running club–everyone’s Winter Arc is different. One thing that is for sure is that the Winter Arc is a time of goal setting, habit development, and discipline for self-improvement before the New Year.
When Does Winter Arc Start And End?
Winter Arc season officially starts on October 1st, lasting for three months until January 1st–but if you're still yet to start, don't worry, there's still time. The Winter Arc can be started at any point in winter, but it's best to start it in the final months of the year. The idea behind this is that while others are waiting until the new year to start their fitness and health-related goals, those doing the Winter Arc will already also have their habits set in place and be set in their routine (making it a great precursor to #Gymshark66 👀).
What Are the Rules for the Winter Arc?
The only hard and fast rules of the Winter Arc are that you must be disciplined and consistent. What you choose to do as part of your Winter Arc is pretty flexible, but many choose to target their Winter Arc towards fitness-related goals.
These often include:
Waking up earlier and being consistent with your wake-up time daily
Going to the gym X times a week or incorporating daily movement into your life, i.e., a 30-minute walk
Keeping your nutrition on track, for example, getting your meal prep ready the night before and keeping your protein intake on track each day.
Other common goals include self-care habits, such as daily journaling and reading before bed.
The great thing about the Winter Arc is that you can gear it towards habits you want to build–as long as you stick to them and show up for yourself 100% each day.
How Do I Stick To My Personal Goals For My Winter Arc?
There are a couple of steps you must follow to ensure you meet your Winter Arc Goals:
Be clear with your goals. Make them realistic and specific, e.g., How many times a week will you work out? What time do you wake up daily? These goals also don't have to be sustainable forever, but they must be sustainable for the duration of your Winter Arc.
Write them out, and then, based on your goals, create a daily checklist of things you must do.
Be disciplined every day, ticking your goals off your daily checklist as you go.
If you're looking for some more goal ideas for your Winter Arc, check out these Top 5 Achievable Healthy Habits to Improve Your Health and Wellness.
Is Winter Arc For Bulking Or Cutting?
The Winter Arc can be for bulking or cutting, however, it is more common for people to bulk during their Winter Arc. This is because the winter season is traditionally reserved for building muscle (bulking), whereas cutting (reducing body fat) is usually done just before the summer period or over the summer when you're more likely to want to show off your gains.
You can, however, use your Winter Arc for bulking or cutting, depending on your fitness goals.
(Bulking goes hand in hand with strength training. If you’re looking for workout inspiration, take a look at our strength programs on the Gymshark Training App.
The Winter Arc is here: Are you ready?
We all struggle with motivation during winter. The days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and the thought of putting on your gym leggings and driving to the gym or heading out on a run is much less appealing. But setting yourself the challenge of doing the Winter Arc could help you reach and maintain your fitness goals–whether that's going to the gym more, waking up earlier (and going to bed on time), or sticking to your running schedule.
With #Gymshark66 just around the corner (January 2025, in fact!), setting your own Winter Arc goals is an ideal way to motivate yourself through the colder months and prepare yourself for 66. So when everyone is just getting started in January and brushing the dust off their gym trainers, you're already at the squat rack, in your routine, pushing PBs and nailing it.
It's time for the Winter Arc–Are you joining us?
Interested in changing your life for the better? They Say It Takes 66 Days To Form A Habit; We Believe It Takes 66 Days To Change Your Life. Find out more about #Gymshark66 and how you can get involved.
