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(ARA) - Finally spring is here . . . now you can spend less time indoors and start enjoying the warm weather outside! Gone are the excuses so commonly used in the winter months. You know them: It’s too cold. It’s too snowy. There’s nothing to do outside. By contrast, spring offers us just as many reasons to go outdoors and get our exercise routines back on track. “Exercising outdoors can be extremely invigorating, especially if you’ve been cooped up inside all winter,” says Jeff Zwiefel, senior vice president, Life Time University. “Incorporating outdoor activities into your daily exercise routine allows for a refreshing change of scenery and can put the fun back into your workouts.”
Plus, diversifying your routine by bicycling, walking, jogging, playing golf and tennis can also help strengthen and condition a range of muscle groups.
Another of the great things about outdoor exercise is that you can turn it into a social outing. In case the warm, spring weather isn’t quite the motivation you need, get yourself involved with new outdoor exercise groups and activities. For example, the Life Time Fitness Running Club is one of the fastest growing running clubs in the country. The club welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including the fitness walker, beginning runner, seasoned triathletes and veteran marathoner. “Our running club is a great way to socialize and reach your fitness goals at the same time,” says Dan Finanger, running club director of Life Time Fitness. “The running club provides coaching and training opportunities along with a variety of social activities, personal attention and a team atmosphere.”
However you refresh your workouts with the coming of spring, supplementing outdoor exercise with regular visits to your health and fitness center will ensure that you remain active during those rainy days and colder months. Remember, too, that your resistance training is a critical component of a balanced fitness program, so keep visiting your gym for weight training and group fitness classes. And remember, exercise doesn’t need to be done alone, so call that long-lost friend and arrange to meet over a brisk walk or bicycle ride in the park or a stroll through your neighborhood. Try to find someone with a similar fitness level and don’t be afraid to try a variety of activities. It will keep your fitness routine from getting boring and you might find a new activity that you enjoy.
So, take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy the outdoors while getting back into or while staying in shape.
For more training and nutrition tips, or to find a Life Time Fitness center near you, visit www.lifetimefitness.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
