Fun Moves You Can Use to Get Fit This Spring

It’s finally here. Spring! All winter, we’ve been waiting for the chance to shed our winter layers and enjoy a burst of new energy. Now that the weather is turning warmer, and everyone is crawling out of hibernation, it’s time to get back into your fitness routine (or start one if that applies to you).

The winter months are difficult for many. Although there are a number of great indoor gyms and wellness centers in our area, the shorter days and colder temps make just about everyone want to cuddle under a blanket instead of hitting the treadmill. And, the foods we tend to eat err on the side of rich and comforting rather than fresh and balanced.

So, now that it is spring, what’s your first move? If you are trying to create a fitness routine to get back into shape after a long winter, we have some tips for you. Whether you like to take your exercise outdoors or you prefer the four walls of your nearest Hancock Wellness Center, we’ve got your back (and your abs, hamstrings and biceps, too). Just make sure to get clearance from your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

If you are the outdoorsy type who truly loves the fresh air, scenery and nature sounds, taking your exercise to an outdoor location will benefit not only your physical body but your mind as well. Working out in nature relieves stress and gets you a heaping dose of Vitamin “N.” The best part is that taking your workout on the road is easy and cost effective. 

Run, walk, or bike the trails. Lace up your running shoes, grab your favorite friend (furry or otherwise) and hit some Hancock County trails to get your daily dose of exercise. Pennsy Trail offers a great opportunity to go at your own pace. After a long winter, you may need to alternate walking and running until you work back up to your previous fitness level. If you choose to be outdoors, working out with a friend is a great way to ensure you stay safe and have a nice time. 

Playgrounds aren’t just for kids. If you’re in the market for some compound movements, such as pull-ups, push-ups and the like, try out your local playground. Monkey bars create the perfect opportunity to get some shoulder and arm strengthening into your daily exercise routine. You can also use the swings to do push-ups as well as pikes on an unstable surface, both of which are effective at strengthening your core. 
Get the whole family in on the game. Now that the weather is warmer, it may be easier to convince the whole family to get outdoors together. Why not enjoy some time shooting hoops, playing tag, or taking a hike together? The more you try to incorporate movement and exercise into the daily activities you do with your family, the more your kids will reap the benefits of a lifestyle of healthy exercise.

Would you rather jump back into your spring fitness routine by heading to the gym? Check out the list of group classes the Hancock Wellness Centers offer. Taking a class under the instruction of a skilled trainer will jumpstart your motivation. It can also be a lot of fun to mix things up and incorporate various exercises into your workout routine. Between Zumba, yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, and a whole host of other classes, you won’t get bored anytime soon.

Spring is all about the budding of flowers and turning over a new leaf. Take advantage and try out something you haven’t before. CrossFit is a fun way to work on strength and cardio in a group setting. Dance classes at your local studio let you move your body and feel some music. Walking your dog at sunrise every morning for a week may not only rack up extra steps on your pedometer but also create a new outlook on how you start your day. 

Getting back into the swing of a workout routine is a great way to feel healthy and active in both mind and body. Remember to speak to your doctor if you have any questions about what you should or should not do as you get back into a routine and be mindful of your own abilities. Keep your workouts light and fun to reduce your stress and enjoy the springtime sunshine.