The spring season represents new beginnings. If you’ve been seeking new methods to spice up your training regimen, spring is the time to do it. It is also the time of year when the weather begins to warm up, allowing for outdoor activities after a long, bitter winter. Overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. If your workouts are more strenuous , you only need 75 minutes per week. That advice equates to between 15 and 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Here are some enjoyable workout options that you can do anywhere and without a gym membership to help you reach those goals this spring.
Outdoor Cardio
Walking, jogging, and running are the most common types of cardio. It may be warm enough to do your cardio outside when spring arrives. If there are nearby trails or mountains, you can even turn your walk into an uphill hike. That will certainly raise your heart rate. Begin slowly if you are a newbie. You don’t have to start sprinting right away. A brisk walk provides enough exercise to break a sweat and burn calories. Walking has been linked to several health benefits, including decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, stress reliever, and resting heart rate. It is also an extraordinary kind of exercise if you want to lose weight. Walking is also a fun family activity that may be done during lunch or after dinner. Get into the habit of walking more during the day.
Mat classes in the Park
Pilates and yoga classes are excellent forms of exercise to undertake outside. It’s also gentle enough for newbies who haven’t received much training this winter. These classes may be a good alternative if you’re searching for a low-impact activity to launch your spring exercise program or returning from an injury. Pilates and yoga have been found to benefit both your physical appearance and mind. They increase muscle strength flexibility and decrease tension and anxiety.
Furthermore, all you need is a mat and some comfy attire. A yoga block and straps may be helpful in a yoga mat class for certain people to increase their flexibility and stability, but they are not essential. Also, as you become more experienced in pilates, you’ll work your way to the equipment, such as the reformer and the cadillac. Taking exercise classes outside is another great way to connect with nature. You can boost your awareness of nature by simply picking a quiet location under a tree or on a grassy hill. This is also an excellent method to bring mindfulness into meditation practice.
Cycling Outdoors
If spin classes are your go-to workout, the spring is the time to get outside and pedal. Indoor spin classes are a great aerobic workout, but pedaling your bike outdoors adds a new level of difficulty. Outdoor cycling may be a nice way to liven things up and push yourself because there are more ascents and descents. Outdoor cycling also provides a change of scenery, which is especially beneficial if you get weary of the spin studio quickly. Both indoor and outdoor riding can be demanding workouts when you want it. Try taking your bike outside if you’re seeking the most difficult one. Outdoor cycling allows bikers to exercise at a higher intensity than indoor cycling. Outdoor riding can also work on a variety of muscles. One criticism against indoor cycling is that it repeatedly challenges the same muscle area. When you go cycling outside, the variables such as weather and terrain activate various muscles at different points throughout the ride.
Circuits
Doing the same workout every day might quickly get monotonous. Getting your family and friends to participate in different circuits is one way to shake things up in the spring. These activities can be carried out in your own backyard or at a park. Some parks even feature fitness stations where you can do things like pull-ups. Try new circuits every day to target different muscle areas. You can also choose circuits based on the muscles you wish to work on that day.
Outdoor Sports
Playing catch, shooting hoops, playing tennis, and running drills are also excellent types of exercise that require no competition. Choose a traditional sport that you can play with a friend like soccer or try something different like beach tennis or volleyball. Playing a sport is not only a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also a great way to connect with new people and get some fresh air. There are so many outdoor sports to choose from that you will never get bored of one. Begin with accessible sports such as basketball and swimming. Next, consider outdoor dancing, paddle boarding, rowing, or racquetball if you want to try something new. These are fantastic sports that are frequently ignored and overlooked.
Kim’s Final Thoughts….
The period between winter and summer is typically when people aim to boost their physical activity. However, exercise can be challenging during the colder months, while the warmer months usually drive motivation into high gear. So, when spring arrives, take advantage of the milder weather by doing your workouts outside. Feeling the suns sensation on your face and the fresh air in your lungs will do you and your soul a good service. Of course, all of these entertaining spring workout ideas can be done if you prefer to work out indoors. Whatever workout you select, the key is to be active and keep your body moving. Just make sure to always thank your body for allowing you to move by stretching and speaking positive affirmations after your workout.
