Spring is finally here and it’s the perfect time to re-evaluate your current workouts and try something fresh and new! Start by setting some new goals for the season, like fitting in more time for workouts, losing 5 pounds or having more energy throughout the day.
Spring is also the perfect time to start working towards that beach body! Begin by asking yourself if you are happy with your workouts, and if not, which areas you would like to change. If you are having trouble fitting in your workouts, experiment with a new time such as early morning or during your lunch break. If you are like most people and have trouble finding a full hour or more for a workout, try breaking it up throughout the day. Jog or walk around the block before work, and then do some strength training during your lunch break either at the gym, a nearby park or even in your office! You can pack a jump rope and a couple of resistance bands or tubes with you and get in a workout anywhere!
If you’ve found the right time for your workouts but are bored with your current routine or don’t know where to start, try adding one of the following:
Yoga: Mix a few yoga poses or vinyasas (sun salutation sequences) into your strength training routine, or before and after your cardio session. They can help you stretch, and are also beneficial for strengthening your core, legs and arms. Take a class once or twice a week to get familiar with each move and to make sure you have correct form.
Kettlebells: Kettlebells are funny looking round balls with handles. They look innocent, but once you pick one up you will realize how heavy (10 – 30 lbs) they are. Ask a trainer to show you how to do some kettlebell swings or a “clean and pressâ€. Using kettlebells is a great way to get your heart rate up and use many muscles at once. It only takes a couple of minutes with a kettlebell to get your heart pumping.
FIT Classes: We always have a new class or two on the schedule. Come try something that looks interesting to you or that you’ve always wanted to try. Maybe Zumba or spinning is just what you need to spice up your dull routine!
FIT Bootcamps: We are about to start another round of Bootcamp at FIT. Come join us for fun, exciting outdoor workouts, while you make friends and get in shape!
Circuit Training: Instead of doing a standard workout of 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training, try mixing them together and the time will fly by! Plus, by adding your cardio intervals into your weight routine, you will keep your heart rate up during the workout and burn more calories. Start with a 5-minute warm-up followed by alternating 5 minutes of weight training with 5 minutes of cardio (using a machine, the stairs or a jump rope) until you’ve completed an hour.
Outdoor Workouts: Spring is the perfect time to take your workout outdoors! Mix in some runs at local parks/trails such as Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou, Heights Boulevard trail, Rice Stadium loop, Spotts Park, etc.
Team Sports: There are plenty of adult sports teams that are looking for players of all levels. Always wanted to play softball? Join a local league. Ask your coworkers, friends and fellow FIT members or staff, or check local parks and sporting venues for flyers. Listings for many adult sports organizations can also be found online.
Biking and Running Groups: Many of the local sports clubs such as HARRA (Houston Area Road Runners Association) and biking groups have weekend activities or group runs/rides that are a lot of fun and a great way to meet people with similar goals and interests. Check online, in local magazines/papers and flyers at local parks.
So as you can see, there are plenty of options to spice up your workouts this Spring. Don’t let yourself get into a rut: Mix it up and you will reap the benefits!
