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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
Spring is officially here. Align yourself with nature and enjoy a new beginning. Take a detour from your daily routine down a healthful path of self-discovery …
Refresh Your Fitness Goals
Spring is motivating. Any time that makes one actually feel like cleaning and doing yardwork must be. Take advantage of this universal vibe and apply it to your workout. Spring clean your fitness program.
Try Something New
With so many choices at the Center, your workout should never become ineffective or boring. When is the last time you changed your fitness routine? If it has been about six weeks or more, you are overdue. Schedule your personal training and nursing assessments. Use the results to set new goals for springtime and further motivate you.
Muscles build memory over time. In order to consistently strengthen, our body and mind progressively need to be challenged. Be consistent with your workout. Be inconsistent with what that workout entails. Different muscles can be worked in new ways at every workout.
Think Outside the Fitness Floor
In a casual conversation with her trainer, member Diane mentioned her desire to learn to swim better. Trainer Howard suggested the Center’s Master Swim class, reassuring her it was not a class for masters but for those wishing to master swimming.
“At first, I could not keep pace with the other swimmers. Howard helped me improve. Before I realized it, I was taking Small Group Training classes, growing stronger, and signing up for the Super Sprint Tri [a Special Olympics fundraiser]!”
At 66 years old, Diane tackled her first triathlon. This feat demanded as much mental strength as physical. It was not easy to leave her comfort zone. One cynic even criticized her racing times a few nights before the event. A pep talk from Howard gave Diane a confidence boost. He knew she was prepared. Diane completed the triathlon with enough courage left to join the Center’s Running Club.
“I hate running, but somehow Howard quietly convinced me to try it. He is motivating like that,” admits Diane whose courageous approach to fitness allowed new experiences. She did not let fear rob her of opportunities to grow. And, the resulting success continues to propel her as she bravely travels in new directions.
Extensive fitness opportunities abound. Experiment this spring! Try a new piece of exercise equipment. Ask a personal trainer for a quick tutorial on a machine that has puzzled you. Pop into the Pilates studio. Peruse the Group Fitness class descriptions and add one to your routine. Learn the benefits of free weights, water workouts, or a simple rest in the sauna. Leave your comfort zone and become master of your unique fitness endeavors, just as Diane did.
Don’t limit your experiences, both at the Center and beyond. Now is the time to discover new likes. Sure, you may solidify a few dislikes in the process. The goal is to evolve. Keep growing, challenging your body and brain. Carve new paths in your wellness journey. This time of year lends itself to excavating. And, the path will likely be lined with fresh blooms.
