Summary of Podcast Episode #32: Beat the Winter Blues: Neven Antic's Training Tips for Consistency and Motivation

Neven Antic • June 4, 2025

Summary of Podcast Episode #32: Beat the Winter Blues: Neven Antic's Training Tips for Consistency and Motivation

As winter sets in, it’s all too easy to press pause on your training, hit snooze, and trade workouts for warm blankets and comfort food. But staying active during the colder months isn’t just about physical fitness — it’s crucial for your mental health, immune system, and long-term progress.


In Episode #32 of the D8 Training Podcast, Ann-Marie Antic chats with D8 Training head coach and founder Neven Antic, who shares powerful insights and practical strategies to help you train consistently, eat smarter, and thrive through winter.

Why Winter Training Matters

When motivation drops (as it often does in winter), discipline becomes your strongest asset. Neven explains that relying on motivation alone is unreliable, especially when it’s cold, dark, and your energy feels low. But a well-established routine will carry you through.


Don’t see winter as a time to ease off — see it as a chance to build momentum in your strength training program while others slow down.


Warm-Ups Matter More Than Ever

Your body doesn’t move the same in winter. Cold weather tightens muscles and stiffens joints, increasing your risk of injury — especially for those over 40. Neven recommends:



  • Extending your warm-up time
  • Gradually building set intensity (don’t go heavy from the start)
  • Listening to your body and adjusting as needed


This extra care up front pays off in better performance and fewer setbacks.


Nutrition Tips for Women Over 40

Pre-workout fuel is essential. Neven highlights the importance of consuming at least 15g of protein before training, particularly for women over 40. This helps stabilise energy, protect muscle mass, and improve recovery.


Post-workout nutrition is just as critical — aim for 40g of protein plus quality carbs within 60 minutes of training. Despite old myths, fasted workouts are often less effective, especially as we age.


“Your body needs fuel to perform and recover. Don’t skip the basics — they matter more the older we get.” – Neven Antic


Beat the Winter Blues with Movement

Winter can take a toll on mood and motivation. But strength training is one of the most powerful tools to combat seasonal blues. Moving your body boosts your mood, builds energy, and gives you a sense of control — even on the toughest days.



It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to happen.


Key Takeaways from the Episode

  • Discipline > Motivation – habits keep you going when willpower fades
  • Warming up is non-negotiable in winter
  • Fuel your body right, especially for women over 40
  • Movement creates energy – the hardest part is starting
  • Consistency through winter sets you up for a strong spring

Got a Question for Neven?

If you have a question from this episode or want to chat with Neven directly:
👉 
Submit your question here or send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook.


We love hearing from our community!


Want to Train with Us?

To learn more about D8 Training and find out if we’re the gym near me, head to here.


Looking for something more tailored?


If you'd like Neven as your personal or private trainer, find out more here  — spaces are limited but worth it.


Listen to Episode #32

Don't let winter hold you back. This is your time to build strength, resilience, and momentum through resistance training 

that lasts all year.


Click here to listen to the full episode and if it helped you, share it with a friend.

More Posts

By Neven Antic July 9, 2026
A common line from Adelaide parents: “They already train twice a week and play on weekends. Isn’t that enough?”  Sometimes it is. Often, it isn’t.
By Neven Antic July 2, 2026
Picking a gym sounds simple. In reality, most adults bounce between:  Big 24/7 gyms where no one knows their name “6week shreds” that leave them wrecked Bootcamps that are fun but random If you actually want adult strength training in Adelaide that gets you stronger and feeling better, here’s a simple filter to choose the right strength training gym in Adelaide.
By Neven Antic June 8, 2026
You don’t need magical powders to help your child perform better. Most 10–18yearolds in Adelaide need help with basic food habits, not exotic supplements.  Here’s a simple way to think about fuelling young athletes on training and game days, alongside their kids strength training in Adelaide or athlete strength and conditioning.
By Neven Antic June 1, 2026
Most athletes think the season is where they improve. In reality, offseason is where you build the qualities that are hard to develop once games and training load kick in.  If your 15–20yearold has big goals, here’s how to use the time between seasons wisely with off season training for athletes in Adelaide.
By Neven Antic May 25, 2026
Lots of people can train when life is quiet, weather is good and motivation is high.  The real differencemaker? What you do when: It’s dark and cold Work is crazy Kids’ sport ramps up Holidays throw off your routine Here’s how many D8 adults stay consistent in their strength training classes in Adelaide even when life isn’t perfect.
By Neven Antic May 18, 2026
A lot of over60s tell us the same thing before their first session: “I’ll probably be the weakest one here.” “I don’t want to hold everyone up.”  “I’m embarrassed about how unfit I am.” Here’s how we handle that at D8 – and why feeling like “the worst in the room” is often the first step to big change.
More Posts

Need Help With Your Fitness or Health?

If you are stuck with your fitness or health and want to change that, then reach out to see if our 21Day KickStarter would be a good fit for you. We have helped 100's of clients improve their health and fitness and would love to find out more about your unique needs.

21-Day Kickstarter