Spring Into Shape
Spring is here! Now that we’ve set our clocks ahead the days are starting to get longer and there is more glorious sunlight in the evenings as the days warm into summer. This means, we have more time to get our workouts in!
If you feel like you’ve fallen off the weight loss wagon, you’re not alone! We’re all human, and an always “on the wagon” plan is just not realistic for most of us.
With the right mindset, habits, and strategies, spring can be the ideal time to begin your health and fitness journey. So, let’s toss aside those unhealthy winter habits and get moving! Here are a few tips to help you spring into shape this season. 
Find Your Motivation
Getting in shape doesn’t necessarily mean losing weight. Perhaps you just want to feel better about yourself, have more energy, and know that you’re doing something good for your body. Maybe your goals are to lower your blood pressure or reduce your risk of developing obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Whatever the case, find the drive you need to stay motivated and achieve your goals.
Go Slow
If you have been lazy over the winter months, you might have quite a bit of work to do to get that beach body back. Slowly begin increasing your activity level. Be realistic about what you can and can’t do and be mindful of not pushing too hard, as this can increase your risk of injury.
Exercise in the Morning
When the warm weather arrives, our schedules get filled up with graduation parties, weddings, barbecues and weekend getaways. Finding the time to work out can be difficult and when your workout is put off for later in the day, it’s less likely to happen. You know the saying, “Exercise in the morning before your brain figures out what you are doing.” This is so true. Set your alarm for an hour earlier and just get it done. Now, regardless of what the rest of your day has in store for you, you won’t have any reason to push it aside. 
Enjoy the Journey
Think of your health as a gift and treat it as such. Find physical activities, healthy snacks, and nutritious meals that you actually like. There are so many healthy food choices out there that actually taste good! Likewise, there are many activities that you can find to do that you will enjoy.
Spring Clean Your Playlist
One of the things that can be just as motivational as sunshine is having a new music playlist to workout to. Put some new tunes into your playlist and pump it up at your next trip to the gym.
Pack Your Lunch
Packing a healthy lunch is a great way to ensure your success. When you leave this simple task undone, it can be a recipe for disaster. Nothing can derail your diet quicker than an unplanned trip to your favorite fast-food restaurant.
Eat Fresh
No, this isn’t an ad for Subway. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables as well as healthy whole grains is a good idea any time of year, but in the spring it’s an especially great time! With the bountiful variety of fresh produce available in grocery stores, there’s no excuse.
Eat Real Food
Real food is a simple concept. 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. Real food is kept as close to its natural state as possible. It should be minimally processed, not man-made and it certainly shouldn’t have a long list of ingredients that you can’t pronounce.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Drinking water will not only help your body stay replenished as you increase your physical activity, but it will also help you detox and lose weight. 
Get Plenty of Zzz’s
It may seem strange, but getting a solid night’s sleep actually helps your body to be more efficient as you pursue your fitness goals. While we sleep, our bodies actually create a hormone that helps build lean muscle. A good night’s rest also gives our bodies time to recover and repair after a workout.
Find A Fitness Buddy
They say misery loves company, but a better way to look at it is that two are stronger than one! Find someone with similar fitness goals and be active together! Whether it’s taking a group fitness class, walking on your lunch break, or going for a run after work, getting fit with a friend is a great way to stay motivated. 
Be Active Outdoors
This is the best time of year to take advantage of the warm weather and soak up some Vitamin D. Being outside is so therapeutic and has a huge impact on our mental health. Go for a hike, ride your bicycle, rollerblade, swim, kayak, or grab a paddle and introduce a few of your friends to the world of pickleball. It really doesn’t matter what you do as long as you are actively enjoying the outdoors.
In Conclusion:
The spring season presents a perfect opportunity for you to start afresh with your fitness goals. Incorporating healthy eating habits, exercising regularly, and staying motivated are key to your success. Remember, nothing happens overnight and sustainable results is a gradual process.
Build a good foundation of training habits now, so that you are able to make the most of what you have in the future. Take the time to acknowledge and enjoy the benefits of a healthier and fitter version of you. You’re worth it. Good luck to you!
I have been a personal trainer for over twenty 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.
