Rozanne McKenzie Reveals Her Best Winter Fitness Secrets

As winter sets in and chilly mornings make staying under the covers even more tempting, finding the motivation to work out can be easier said than done.

But according to Jacaranda FM’s Rozanne McKenzie, the colder weather doesn’t have to derail your fitness goals.

A passionate advocate for health and wellness, Rozanne often shares insights from her own fitness journey with listeners and followers. She believes that staying active through winter comes down to a few simple things: being consistent, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and choosing activities you genuinely enjoy.

“Winter is often when we are most tempted to slow down, but I’ve found that staying active actually helps me feel better physically and mentally. You don’t need to punish yourself or chase unrealistic goals. You just need to find something that works for you and commit to showing up,” said Rozanne.

Rozanne’s top winter fitness tips

1. Prepare the Night Before: One of Rozanne’s biggest tips is to remove as many obstacles as possible before the day begins.

“Pack your gym bag the night before and have everything ready to go. It eliminates the stress and decision-making in the morning. The less admin you have, the easier it is to stick to your routine,” said Rozanne.

She also believes feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear can make a surprising difference.

“You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive activewear brands. There are so many affordable options available. I always find that when I feel good in what I’m wearing, I train harder and enjoy my workout so much more,” added Rozanne.

2. Find a Workout You Actually Enjoy: Rozanne explains that one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their fitness journey is forcing themselves into exercise routines they dread.

“Fitness should never feel like punishment. If you hate running, don’t run. If you love dancing, dance. If you enjoy walking with friends, do that. The most important thing is simply to move,” said Rozanne.

The presenter adds that community has been one of the biggest motivators.

“I love the sense of community that comes with training. Being surrounded by people who encourage and challenge you makes all the difference. Whether it’s CrossFit, a walking club or even a line dancing class, having people around you who share your goals can be incredibly motivating,” added Rozanne.

3. Ditch the ‘Summer Body’ Pressure: Rozanne is also passionate about rejecting the pressure and unrealistic expectations often associated with fitness.

“There’s no such thing as a summer body. Every body is a body, and your body is your body. Don’t fall for fad training programmes or trends that promise quick fixes,” said Rozanne.

Instead, she encourages people to focus on building healthy habits and prioritising proper form over flashy workouts.

“It’s not about doing what looks cool on social media. It’s about doing what works for your body and building strength and confidence in a sustainable way,” added Rozanne.

4. Make Training a Non-Negotiable: The secret to success is consistency.

“Make your training time non-negotiable. Schedule it in your diary if you have to, just like you would an important meeting. Once you stop negotiating with yourself, it becomes part of your lifestyle rather than something you have to constantly convince yourself to do,” said Rozanne.

As South Africans navigate the colder months, Rozanne hopes people will approach fitness with kindness and consistency rather than pressure.

“You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up. Small, consistent steps add up over time, and winter is actually the perfect time to build habits that will carry you through the rest of the year,” added Rozanne.

HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: “He Believed in Me”: Alicia Keys Reflects on Clive Davis’ Lasting Impact in Moving Tribute