Refresh Your Spring Workout Routine
My mum told me the other day that she spotted a red wing blackbird. Here in Michigan, this sighting means spring has sprung (finally, I thought winter would never end). When it comes to fitness routines, I find that I need to switch mine up every few months to keep myself motivated and excited. Not to mention, there is something refreshing about revamping a routine. With the weather getting nicer, I thought I would share with you five ways I am refreshing my spring workout routine.
1. Try a New Class
With a new season here, it\’s the perfect opportunity for you to break out of your comfort zone and try something completely new to you. I know this can seem scary (check out my post on gym intimidation for tips), but it can actually be a lot of fun. This weekend, I tried Aerial Yoga – and for me, it was frustrating because I literally could not do anything. However, this presented the perfect opportunity for me to work on strength and flexibility. I am going to sign up for yoga classes and start taking them on a weekly basis to help build upper body and core strength. I will also watch YouTube videos, and do them at home to help me reach my goals quicker. Whether you’re a cardio queen or all about that strength, don’t let your usual workout ways define you. Step outside of that comfort zone, the new workout will challenge your body in new ways – this allows you to beat boredom and get closer to your goals.
2. Revamp your Workout Wardrobe
You’ve Marie Kondo’ed your closet, now move that workout gear front and center so you’re more likely to use it. Maybe even splurge on a new outfit to add some motivation to crush your workouts! Something about new athleisure wear always brings me so much joy. Not only can new workout attire bring fresh motivation, but it’s a great way to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve been putting in! If you’re a bold pattern babe, stores are packed with plenty of pretty prints for spring. Personally, I am not a bold print babe – – I prefer black pants and top so sweat doesn’t show. Don’t think that your workout clothes need to be expensive. Target, Old Navy, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Five Below are great places to buy super cute activewear without breaking the bank.
3. Take Your Workout Outside
The easiest way to shake things up is to get out of the studio or gym, and hit the pavement for a walk or run. I love going for long walks on the beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline. During the winter months, I spend so much time cooped up inside, I try to take as many workouts as I can outside. Outdoor works are so much fun, I love getting creative and doing body weight HITT, stair climbs, bike rides and more. I really want to do yoga on the beach this year. There’s nothing like breathing in fresh air while sweating it out and detoxing your body from the winter blues. Whenever I workout outside I feel renewed and refreshed after which it immediately puts me into a happier mood. Do you have a booty band? If not I highly recommend getting one! These mini resistance bands are the perfect portable way to take your workout outside. One of my favorite outdoor workouts with a booty band is side shuffles. To do side shuffles: place the booty band just above your ankles, and step your feet hip-width apart. Lower into a squat, engage your core and take a big step to your right with your right foot – bring your left foot to meet it. Next, take a big step to your left with your left foot, and bring the right foot to meet it.
*Please note I am NOT a trainer, this is just what works for me and what I like.
4. Find a Workout BFF
Two is always better than one! Enlist a bestie to join you once a week for a class for a sweat date. Having a workout buddy means you’ll be more likely to stick to your workout schedule when you know your babe is waiting for you. I am part of the Tone It Up (TIU) community, which has helped me meet like-minded babes who I can workout with. Also, if you can’t make it to the gym or a class together watch YouTube videos and FaceTime! One of my friends lives in North Carolina and I am in Michigan – we used to do this all the time. Not only is it a great way to stay accountable, but working out with someone else is definitely more fun than solo. Now we send each other workouts that we find on Pinterest and Instagram and then go do them on the gym and circle back how we felt during the workout.
5. Set a Spring Fitness Intention
If you’re like me, you do better with little mini goals or intentions. Typically I like to split my goals or intentions up seasonally and monthly so they seem more attainable. Big or small, there are so many fitness goals you can choose from. Sign up for a 5K, do HIIT two days per week, take a yoga class, actually stretch after a sweat session…etc. Pick your goals or intentions for spring, and share them in order to keep yourself accountable!
I hope these five tips helped to motivate you to keep working at your goals and gave you some ideas of simple ways you can mix up your routine. Please feel free to share your fitness intentions for spring with me – I would absolutely love to hear about what you want to achieve, try, accomplish…etc this spring. Stay tuned to my Instagram to see what goals I am crushing this spring. Also, here is your friendly reminder to hydrate, dehydration only sets you back and makes your skin look awful.
Fashion meets Food 