As the year comes to a close, people tend to fall into one of two categories. Some embrace the dark nights and cold weather, choosing cozy evenings in and skipping the gym until January. After all, it’s not going anywhere.
Others keep up the consistency, hitting each push, pull, and legs day without fail. It’s possible you’ve seen a lot of this second camp on your feed lately, proclaiming they are entering their “winter arc”.
Baffled? I was too. Thankfully, I’ve got all the answers to your questions in this useful explainer, including what it is, what it might involve, and whether shaving your head is an absolutely necessary condition of it.
Jump to:- What is the Winter Arc?
- Should I Enter My Winter Arc?
- What Are the Rules of the Winter Arc?
- Winter Arc Inspiration
- Winter Arc FAQs
What is the Winter Arc?
The winter arc is basically an early new year’s resolution. It’s for those who don’t believe in waiting for January to make a change. Instead, the beginning of October is the best time to make a change and settle into new habits.
The idea is that by the time January comes around, you’ll already be well ahead on your new routine while others are just getting started.
As with any trend, people are embracing the winter arc in different ways. Some are focusing on self-improvement — going to bed no later than 10:30pm, cutting out bad habits, and prioritizing mental health. Others are going a bit heavier — hitting the gym, prepping meals, and staying on top of their protein intake.
Looking for somewhere to start?
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Should I Enter My Winter Arc?
If you’re ready to make a change, there’s no need to wait until January. October is as good a time as any to get started.
But it is important to set realistic goals. Trying to make too many drastic changes at once is likely unsustainable, so focus on a few areas you’ve been meaning to improve.
Small, manageable goals are key, whether it’s hitting the gym three times a week, reaching 10,000 steps a day, or meal prepping every day.
For help setting manageable goals, try habit stacking...
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What Are the Rules of the Winter Arc?
The winter arc doesn’t have a set list of rules — it varies, sometimes quite widely, on the individual.
Some go as far as to suggest cutting off romantic relationships to focus on yourself, others recommend shaving your head to eliminate distractions.
Honestly, I’m not sure either is necessary. For me, the sensible approach is simply prioritizing yourself and setting clear, actionable goals.
A few tips many seem to agree on include:
- Set clear intentions
- Create an action plan to achieve your goals
- Prioritize yourself above everything else
Winter Arc Inspiration
If you need some inspiration or aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Get Stronger, Build Muscle, Weight Management, and the Fundamentals guides in our bundles for expert advice and tailored nutrition and training plans.
Winter Arc FAQs
What is the winter arc challenge?
For some, the winter arc is more about following small, manageable goals. Others are taking it further, challenging themselves to stick to strict “contracts”.
What are the rules of the winter arc?
There are no strict rules for the winter arc — it’s completely up to you. Some take it to extremes by cutting off social contacts, while others make simpler changes to focus on their own well-being. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong approach.
Take Home Message
So what’s it gonna be? Will you enter your winter arc or save your resolutions until January? Whatever you decide, there’s no need to shave your head or become a hermit. Just set clear goals and focus on achieving them, and your winter arc should be a successful one.
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