Spring? Is that you!? After a weekend of some much-needed sunshine and warmth its hard not to feel a little happier and more positive as you shed layers and start enjoying some much-missed vitamin-D. It is a common leap that most make, starting fresh in the spring-time, whether its organizing, spring cleaning, or going back and dusting off those forgotten January resolutions.
Spring is a great time to switch up/start fresh/re-vamp (whatever you need) your fitness routine! You have heard it said a million and 1 ways, we’ve even made posts on this very topic before, but it’s true – your body is an incredibly sophisticated and adaptable machine. It means that whatever you do with your body repetitively, your body will adapt to that movement and find a way to make it easier. Which means your body does not work as hard doing its normal routine.
‘Practice makes perfect’ – a blessing for math class and new work computer systems. It’s great that our bodies learn and adapt with repetition, but its also a downfall (when it comes to exercise). Your workout routine may not yield the same training effect or calorie burn that it did in the beginning.
So? What’s next? How can you switch up your routine, here is a few suggestions for a Spring Re-vamp of your exercise routine!
- Get Superficial.Yup, I’m talking about workout clothes and shoes and accessories – if you can afford a splurge, then buy something you’re excited to wear to the gym, or yoga, or out for a run. You could also invest in technology like a GPS watch, Fitbit, or fitness apps for your phone. On a budget? Kill two birds with one stone and spring clean your closet, getting rid of the workout stuff you never wear and organizing it, so you can quickly put together everything you need for your workout.
- Make a date.Chances are, it’s not just you who’s itching to get outside and take advantage of the weather or is motivated by the annual shedding of the winter layers to want to recommit to fitness. If there’s a time that suits both you and a friend to get together, try to find a class or activity for that time you guys can do together. Do you have Morning, Daytime, or Evening availability? We suggest looking at our fitness calendar, with classes at all times of day there is something for everyone! When someone else is calling the shots and deciding what to try, you’re guaranteed to try at least a few workouts you never would have otherwise.
- Timing is everything.If you’ve worked out the same three days a week for years, a change in workout could be as simple as switching up the days you work out, or even the time. Usually a night owl? Come in for an early morning workout, a couple days into this routine and waking early will get easier, and with your workout over and done with for the day, rest and sleep will come easier at night.
- Reassess your goals. When you’re first starting out with a workout routine, setting goals is easy. You know what you want and need from your workout and you can plan accordingly to meet that goal. But once you’ve met your goal, or you find yourself doing the same workout, not seeing new results, but able to maintain your level of fitness, your pace, your strength – how many of us decide to reassess and shake things up? It’s more likely you think to yourself, “If it aint broke, don’t fix it.” Think about what you do and why you do it – is there a new goal you could strive towards? Are you holding yourself back? Be honest and see if changing your why could be enough to transform your routine. A great way to get some insight on this is with our Complimentary Fitness Consultations – not just for new members! 20-30 minutes with a trainer to answer questions, advise routines, and much more! Send us a quick message at info@deannas41.sg-host.com and see if you could benefit yourself!
- Inspire yourself.Don’t discount the power of what you choose to surround yourself with. Try out things like vision boards, motivational quotes or mantras, trying things you pin on Pinterest, follow people you find inspiring on blogs or social media. You never know what will stick with you.
- Sign up for something.It’s a tried and true method of switching up your routine and motivating you – registering for and paying for a couple training sessions will hold you accountable to show up and work your hardest. Check out the expiry date on our class passes, and make sure you use anything you have pre-purchased!
- Enjoy the outdoors!There’s no more snow! There’s sunshine! We’ve waited months for this – let it inspire you to get outside. Hiking, walking, biking – there are so many ways you can take advantage of the nicer weather and take your workout outdoors. NRG 4 Life tip – Live close by? Throw on a pair of outdoor runners and jog up to the gym, you will show up warmed up and ready for a great weight training session! Bonus – use the walk home to cool down and have some ‘me’ time. With 2-3 trail heads on Main St. you may closer than you think!
- Switch up your entertainment.If you normally listen to music on a run, try audio books or podcasts instead. If you find yourself constantly skipping songs on your iPod, invest some time in building all new playlists. Or, if you’ve never tried working out without music, see what it’s like! You may be surprised that the quiet brings some peace or thinking time to your workout.
- Change your workout space. Sometimes a new environment is enough to revitalize you. Easy ways to do this are getting outside for your exercise or moving that Pilates or yoga mat to a different room in the house.
- Do something that scares you.Think about an activity or workout you think would terrify you for one reason or another – for example, indoor rock climbing, trapeze lessons, pole dancing, yoga. Then go ahead and do it. Why?Breaking out of your fitness comfort zone – even if you decide you hate it and will never do it again – could have a domino effect on the rest of your workouts. Once you’ve challenged yourself to do something you didn’t think possible, you’re more likely to push yourself (even if on a smaller scale) in your regular workouts.
So, Spring forward on your fitness Journey! Don’t forget to look back on how far you’ve come already, can’t wait to see your new moves here at NRG!