Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Unbury Your Fitness Routines


Let’s face it, New Englanders experienced a hard winter this year. Record high snow levels, brutal cold temperatures and long dark days. Add to that flu, cold or just the general seasonal depression and it is no wonder people get off track from their fitness routines. We tend to have less days we get to the gym and more days that we grab the warm comfort food then healthy salads. But the snow is melting, the sun is shining and it is time to get back on track so our bodies and minds are ready for when spring and summer finally do arrive. Here are some ways to get back into a routine starting today!

Change it up
Get your heart pumping again with change! Try a new workout routine or class. If you always use dumbbells change it up to the machines or with body weight exercises. Try at least one new healthy food a week. Use the excitement of a change to give you that extra boost forward.

Start Small
You didn’t lose your mojo overnight so it will take small steps to get back to the level you were at. If you haven’t moved in a while start by telling yourself you will commit to 5 minutes a day, then gradually move up to 30-60 minutes a day. Commit to yourself to make at least one meal a day healthy or give up one food that you know is not healthy (like soda, candy or chips). Over time add more time or foods until you are back at your pre-winter level of fitness.

Get Support
Nothing beats the buddy system to keep you accountable. Find a support person or group with similar exercise goals to work together. There are a lot of online groups that can help or ask around your current family, friends or co-workers to see if they want to work with you.

So take off the boots and grab your sneakers, throw away the turtleneck sweater and grab your workout t-shirts. Now is the time to get recommitted to your fitness goals and to move forward to a better you.