Jacaranda FM’s Rozanne McKenzie Shares Her Top Tips For Staying Active Through Winter

As the colder months settle in and the temptation to hit the snooze button grows stronger, staying motivated to exercise can become a challenge. However, Jacaranda FM radio personality Rozanne McKenzie says winter doesn’t have to mean putting your fitness goals on hold.

A fitness enthusiast who regularly shares her own wellness journey with listeners and followers, Rozanne believes consistency, community and finding joy in movement are the real secrets to maintaining healthy habits throughout the season.

“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,” Rozanne says. “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.”

Here are Rozanne’s top winter fitness tips:

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,” she advises. “It eliminates the stress and decision-making in the morning. The less admin you have, the easier it is to stick to your routine,” the Jacaranda FM personality says.

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.”

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,” she says. “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.”

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.”

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,” she says. “Every body is a body, and your body is your body. Don’t fall for fad training programmes or trends that promise quick fixes.”

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.”

Make Training a Non-Negotiable

The secret to success is consistency. “Make your training time non-negotiable,” Rozanne continues. “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.”

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,” she says. “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.”

For Rozanne McKenzie, the secret to staying active through winter is about finding joy in movement and making your wellbeing a priority, one workout at a time.

Listen to Rozanne McKenzie on The Drive With Rob & Roz every weekday afternoon between 16:00 and 19:00 only on Jacaranda FM.