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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
As nature gears up for warm, sunny days, get ready to ditch the sweaters and break a sweat …
The promise of spring often motivates movement. For some, that means being sprung from the couch and back into fitness. For others who pride themselves on year-round fitness commitment, despite seasonally associated setbacks, a new season puts a spring in their step, rep, or swim stroke. Here’s how to take it to the next level, even if that level starts with digging out your abandoned workout clothes.
Schedule Health Checks
An annual physical and routine health checks are easier to remember when scheduled according to season. Improved weather conditions make spring a great time to check in with physicians. You’ll also be less exposed to flu germs and other heavy-hitters common in colder weather.
Speak with your doctor about your current fitness level and goals. Determine where to focus efforts based on your existing health status. Most importantly, get peace-of-mind from a professional nod to exercise at maximum capacity.
Schedule your free Center personal training and nurse evaluations. Bring your latest health statistics to share. After the appointments, schedule your follow-ups for six and twelve weeks later, respectively.
Focus on Full-body
Fitness session that incorporate all muscle groups offer efficient results when stepping up your game. Whether endurance training for running season or functional training for that upcoming yard work, a full-body workout provides comprehensive training.
Experts recommend rotating through these multitasking exercises to maximize outcome: lunges, squats, push-ups, pull-ups, and planks. Add some stretches and aerobic activity to balance the session.
Expand this routine as your fitness level increases. Start where you are only minimally challenged. Then, increase repetitions and intensity. If you spent the winter mostly sedentary, underestimate your abilities for the first few workouts. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Some soreness is expected, but you do not want a major muscle strain or injury. This is where your complimentary training evaluation is helpful! Know where to begin based on a professional’s input.
Introduce a New Activity
There is much to discover as the world brightens around us. Try a couple new activities or pick some old favorites. Train for superior performance. If golf is your game, perfect your swing with a workout like Pilates that focuses on those body mechanics. Always wanted to do a competitive run? Register for a 5K and train to increase endurance. Learn to swim to enhance healthy summer fun.
Change Your Fitness Routine
Aside from training specifically for spring activities, take time to investigate new fitness classes and equipment. The Center’s Les Mills™ classes launch new choreography every quarter to keep things fresh. It is a great time to discover new favorites.
Mild weather allows outdoor fitness opportunities to complement your Center routine. Invite some workout buddies to join you for evening walks, weekly tennis matches, or weekend hiking. Capitalize on these friendships rooted in the commonality of healthy living.
Consider changing the timing of your workouts, just to keep life interesting. Try exercising at a different time of day for a new perspective on how your body and mind respond. You’ll meet new trainers, instructors, and members. Perhaps you’ll discover you are more of an early bird than you thought!
A Different Kind of SAD
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is most common in fall and winter months. However, symptoms of seasonal depression also can be triggered in spring and early summer. Often, springtime SAD is exacerbated by the individual’s contrasting surroundings, including others’ brightening disposition and increasing energy.
If you or a loved one face this seasonal challenge, any time of year, respect it. You are not alone. Talk with others and seek treatment. Everyone deserves to experience the joy of a new season.
Sources
Mayoclinic.com
