Even if you’ve maintained a regular workout program throughout the winter, there’s a good chance you’ve hit a plateau, so spring is an ideal time to switch up your workout routine. Why? Much like your mind, your body becomes bored with predictability, so a change of exercise scenery may be all that’s needed to keep it from becoming acclimated and unresponsive to your efforts.
In order for your body to continue to change for the better, your program must also evolve; below are a few ways to spruce up your workout regimen for spring:
- Shake up your schedule. Early bird? Take advantage of the extra hours of daylight to get active in the evening. If you’re a night owl, challenge yourself to get up an hour earlier to get your workout done before work.
- Try a change in venue. If the cold weather has had you cooped up all winter, take it outside. Or if you’ve been out battling the elements for the past few months, mix things up with a weekly group class for cross-training.
- Play with sequence. If you break workouts into specific combinations of body parts on different days (say, legs/back, arms/shoulders, chest/abs), pair them oppositely to force your body to adjust.
- Get some new gear. Nothing makes a workout more fun than trying out the latest and greatest exercise equipment. Swap out sneakers for Fila’s Skele-toes Amp running shoes to give feet a more natural workout that still offers security and support. Mix and match to assemble the ultimate in attire from Sonoma County’s own Athleta, which offers this handy outfit finder. After your workout, treat tired legs with some self-massage with the assistance of Trigger Point Performance Therapy’s The Grid Foam Roller, which aids in recovery.
- Develop a need for speed. Repeat after me: “Intervals are my friend!” Scrap your usual pace and add in walk breaks and sprints to trick your body into working harder.
- Tune-up your fuel. Re-evaluate your current dietary habits, and make a few incremental, measurable and attainable changes in what you consume, whether it's adding in more fruits and veggies - or cutting down on junk food. And don’t forget to hydrate!
- Set the mood with music. Shop around on iTunes for new exercise mixes, sample a new music genre or allow personalized radio websites, such as Pandora or Slacker, to suggest songs for you.
- Use the buddy system. Sometimes all it takes is a little company to kick it up a notch; picking up a partner can be a huge motivator in terms of support, friendly competition and accountability.
Try easing into a few changes at a time; do too much too soon, and you’ll risk getting injured. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new workout program, and use common sense – be sure to stop exercising if anything hurts.
Comments