Spring into Activity
Spring is in the air, and it's a natural nudge to shake off the winter blues and be more active!
As your physical activity levels begin to trend up, we have a few fun ideas to try, and some tips on how to navigate the change.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Trade the treadmill for the trail: As the weather warms, escape the gym and head outside. Explore nature with hikes, bike rides, or even a walk or jog around the park. Soaking up the sunshine not only boosts your vitamin D levels but also enhances your mood and motivation.
Turn your park into your playground: Public parks offer tons of fitness opportunities. Utilize the equipment for bodyweight exercises, join a pick-up game of basketball, play a round of disc golf, or find an outdoor fitness class.
Incorporate Seasonal Activities
Get active with seasonal sports: Participating in spring sports leagues like volleyball, softball, pickleball or tennis is a fun and social way to get moving. You'll meet new people while engaging in friendly competition and getting some exercise.
Cultivate your green thumb: Gardening is a surprisingly active hobby. Digging, planting, and tending to your garden provide a full-body workout while connecting you with nature.
Navigating The Changes
Spring clean your activity plan: Just like your home, your exercise routine might need a spring cleaning. Evaluate your current program, identify areas for improvement, and think about what new exercises or activities you'd like to add.
Don't spring forward too fast: Spring is an exciting time with longer days, better weather and new opportunities, but be cautious about taking on too much too fast. Injuries from overuse and overtraining happen when activity is ramped up too aggressively.
Celebrate your progress: Track your progress and acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. This will keep you motivated and focused on your goals.
Spring is a season of growth. Let it be the catalyst for your own personal transformation. By embracing the outdoors, incorporating seasonal activities, and refreshing your routine, you can spring into action and experience the joy of a healthier and happier you!
If you'd like someone to evaluate your current plan or develop a new one for you, we'd be happy to help! Give us a call at 541.210.5674.
Resources
Sex- and age-specific seasonal variations in physical activity among adults. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2010;64:1010-1016.
Impact of Seasonality on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(1):2.
The Effect of Season and Weather on Physical Activity: Systemic Review
Exercise Assessment and Prescription in Older Adults Webinar