Spring is here, and with it comes April’s Move More Month, a celebration of staying active! The warmer weather affords plenty of opportunities for exercise. April showers sometimes keep us at home, however, you can still get a full workout at home, on the trail, or in your backyard, or at the gym! Here are 8 ways to stay active in the spring.
1. Body Weight Exercises
The foundation of most workout routines, these are exercises that require little to no equipment, instead relying on your own weight to create resistance. They can help build strength and improve balance, coordination, and endurance. You can perform them at the gym or anywhere you have space in your home, and any equipment you use is optional.
There are many different body weight exercises, but some of the most common include pushups, lunges, Burpees, planks, and crunches. Contact NRG for a complimentary consultation so you can be sure your form makes the grade.
2. Yoga
It’s easy to characterize yoga as a stretching routine, but it’s an endlessly adaptable form of exercise that can meet your needs regardless of age or fitness level. Those looking for a gentle stretching exercise can approach yoga from that perspective while those who want a more vigorous, cardio-focused workout can speed up the pace and even incorporate moves from other body weight exercises to increase intensity. NRG offers yoga classes as part of their weekly group exercise schedule. Be sure to check out what we have to offer!
3. Walking
Hit the trail nearest you or just step outside your front door. If you have a dog, you have plenty of opportunities to go on walks around the neighborhood. You’ve probably spent a lot of time indoors this winter, so go ahead and drink in the great outdoors! Remember to wear proper athletic footwear. Visit our friends at Uxbridge Shoes for a great selection of shoes. The service and prices are always great plus you’ll be supporting a small local business. Let them know NRG has recommended you and save equivalent to the taxes!
4. Stair Climbing
Don’t have much time for an outdoor walk? Take the stairs! The vertical movement of climbing stairs increases resistance from gravity, which helps build leg strength quickly. Stair climbing is a dynamic cardio workout that you can incorporate into any point of your daily routine, whether you’re home or at work, and any set of indoor stairs provides an opportunity for a workout unaffected by the weather outside. It burns more calories than running, so if you’re looking to challenge yourself, give it a try! NRG has 3 different stair climbing machines including a “Jacob’s Ladder” which incorporates upper body and more core than other stair machines!
5. High-Intensity Interval Training
If you’re ready for something more intense, this demanding style of exercise can raise your metabolic rate, reduce heart and blood pressure, and increase oxygen consumption — all changes that can help improve your mood. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) alternates short bursts of intense exercise with intervals of lower-intensity activity, giving you the benefits of a longer duration of exercise within a much shorter time period. NRG has several HIIT classes to choose from including a Lunch time option!
6. Outdoor Sports
If you’re in the mood for something more high-impact than a walk, spring offers plenty of opportunities for activity. Not just running or jogging, but cycling, skating, swimming and skateboarding all provide opportunities to move. It’s also possible to compete in sports like tennis and golf. We are blessed to have some wonderful golf courses in our area. Fore!
7. Family Fun
Exercise doesn’t always have to be structured! You can burn just as many calories having fun with your family by hiking or cycling together. Your family can play sports together like baseball, basketball, flag football, and soccer, or play lawn games like tag, cornhole or ladder toss. If you’re in the mood for freeform fun, you can hula hoop, jump rope, or even dance! You can get the benefits of a full workout but while spending time with the people you love (as well as having too much fun to notice all the work you’re putting in).
8. Yard Work
If you own a home, the work you’re already doing is getting you in shape! Cleaning up the yard for the spring takes a lot of work and a lot of movement, making it a great exercise option that’s also productive. Raking, pushing a mower, and digging can work out all your major muscle groups. If working in the yard sounds like a great option to you, consider starting a garden! It will give you plenty of opportunities to move around your yard with purpose.