Spring Into Shape
Spring is in the air! Temperatures are finally getting warmer, the last of the winter snow has melted, and the cold and dark days are behind us.
Spring is a season of rejuvenation and renewal. It is thus the perfect time to focus on improving your health and fitness. With the right mindset, habits and strategies, spring can be the ideal time to begin or continue your weight loss journey.
Let’s spring into shape with these tips on how to take advantage of the season to successfully reach our health and fitness goals.
Exercise in the Morning
There’s a lot of truth to the quote “Exercise in the morning before your brain figures out what you’re doing.” When you put it off for later in the day, it’s less likely to happen. Especially for those of you who don’t love to exercise. An early morning workout will help you start the day with more energy, focus and optimism. Plus, after a morning workout, you’ll be more likely to eat healthy and stay active throughout the day. Get up early and go for a run, lift some weights or take a group fitness class at your local gym.
Take It Slow
Now that the warmer weather is here and summer vacations are quickly approaching, you may want to hit the gym more often. Although your ambition is highly admirable, it is important to remember that doing too much too soon, can increase the risk of injury.
Think about how much time you want to dedicate to physical activity each day. Be realistic about what you can and can’t do and be mindful of not pushing it too hard. Slowly begin increasing your activity level and make sure you listen to your body if you start to feel like you’re over doing it.
Create a New Playlist
One of the things that can be just as motivational as sunshine is having a new playlist to listen to while you’re working out. Download some fresh new tunes. The right music can help boost your mood, keep you motivated and give you the energy to push through a challenging workout. Studies have even shown that listening to fast-paced, upbeat music can increase physical performance.
Take It Outdoors
Detoxing your mind, body and soul is just as important as spring cleaning. Nature is a gym and your membership is free! Being outside is so therapeutic and has a huge impact on both our physical and mental health. Go for a hike, ride your bicycle, rollerblade, swim, kayak or play a few games of volleyball. It’s the perfect time of year to actively enjoy the outdoors.
Exercise Consistently
Life gets hectic, and it can be challenging to maintain a consistent workout throughout the week. However, this is a must if you want to achieve your health and fitness goals. Set aside a specific time each day that works well with your schedule and stick to it. If you miss a day, be sure you get back on track as soon as possible.
Pack Your Lunch
Packing a sensible lunch is always a great way to ensure your success. It also gives you the opportunity to create something healthy that you will feel good about! If you don’t plan ahead, you might find yourself in trouble. Nothing can derail your diet quicker than an unplanned lunch with a co-worker, a trip to the break room or a visit to a fast-food restaurant. 
Keep It Real
There is something so satisfying about preparing a meal with locally grown produce. Real food is a simple concept. Shop local, eat local, spend local and enjoy local. Support the local businesses who support the area where you live, work and play. Know who your local farmers are and show them your support. Find your nearest farmer’s market or fruit stand. If you eat what nature has given us: plants, fruits, roots, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, eggs, milk and its by-products such as cheese and yogurt you will not only look good, but you will feel good too.
Squeeze in Exercise
Finding the time to squeeze in a workout can be challenging. The good news is that research shows that the effects of exercise are cumulative, so you don’t have to do it all at once to get the full benefits. Try fitting in ten minutes before work, ten on your lunch break and then ten more in the evening. Whenever you need a quick, minute-long break at work, why not do a few sets of squats? When you are home in the evening watching TV, use commercial breaks to do push-ups, lunges, chair dips, planks, crunches and whatever else works in your living space. 
Spring Workouts
- Running: Running is a great cardio workout that can help burn calories and boost your metabolism. Spring weather is perfect for outdoor running and you can explore new trails and parks in your area.Hiking: Hiking is a great outdoor activity that can help with weight loss. It provides a full-body workout and can burn more calories than walking.
- Biking: Biking is a fun way to get outside and stay active during the spring. It’s a low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. You can try out new bike paths or trails in your area.
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): HIIT workouts are a great way to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. These workouts involve short bursts of high-intensity exercises followed by periods of rest. HIIT can help burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
- Yoga: Yoga is a great low-impact workout that can help improve flexibility, balance and strength. It can also help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
In Conclusion:
Despite the forecast, live like its spring! Enjoy the benefits of a healthier and fitter version of you. A healthy lifestyle not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood.
Devise a plan that will keep you in shape not just for a season, but all year round. There’s no better time to get started than right now. Good luck to you!
I have been a personal trainer for over eighteen years and I absolutely love what I do. I honestly feel that I have one of the best jobs out there! The most rewarding part of my profession is helping one of my clients succeed at reaching their personal fitness goals. Making a difference in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile. I am currently certified by the National Sports Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness Group, and the International Sports Science Association.
