I am probably posting this later than usual because we are springing forward! Don’t forget or you will be an hour late for everything today!
Like everyone in Chicago, I am SO OVER WINTER! I have been thinking about ways to spring clean the house, my life and my fitness routine. It is getting stale! The coming of spring provides an opportunity to not only clean out our closets, but also clean up our fitness and health routines. Is your training getting stale? Are you hitting some plateaus? Join me in spring cleaning your work out.
Here are some great tips I found to “Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine”:
- Have you been hitting the cardio machines at the gym all winter? A great way to mix up your workout routine is to add exercises that strengthen and challenge your balance. Exercises on the foam roller, exercise ball and TRX are a fantastic way to add in single leg or arm work as well as challenge stability in different planes of motion. Check out some great balance exercises from Fitness Blender.
- Tired of the same old workout? Try something fun. Many gyms offer “fun” classes – try your skills at hip-hop dancing, yoga, kickboxing, and Pilates. Maureen Ryan of Ryan Wellness told me, “Years ago I took an Irish Dancing class for adults which I stopped practicing in 8th grade. Since I was training for a marathon, I wanted to add in something fun to my workouts. It didn’t even occur to me that it would benefit my running. Suddenly, I had a quicker response off the ground. I could feel the benefits of the jumping and hopping in class!” She adds, “If Irish Dancing isn’t your cup of tea, A fun and safe way to add plyometric/jumping exercises into your workout routine is to take a Pilates Reformer Jump Board class. You can get a full body workout, strengthen your core and improve foot strength and jumping ability while landing with less weight than you would if you were doing traditional plyometric exercises. Plus, it’s a fun way get your heart rate up!!” Join me at Maureen’s Pilates for Runners class at Flow to give this a try. She also incorporates jumpboard into her reformer classes at her home studio. And she offers 10% off for Erica Finds fans! Go to Ryan Wellness to learn more.
- Are you in creature of habit? Workouts can become very routine – run on Monday, strength on Tuesday, etc. Doing the same exercises week in and week out can be a bore. Try to vary your exercise routine on a regular basis. Combine cardio exercises, strength training and fitness classes to keep it interesting and keep your muscles guessing. If you work out in a gym, change the equipment you use or add some weights to your routine.
- Do you always work out alone? Try a group fitness class. If you have been working out alone this winter, group exercises can perk up your routine. I look forward to seeing my spin class buddies and other group classes are motivating and energizing. Or get a workout buddy to meet you. Make a fitness date with a friend. You will both benefit!
- Sick of the gym? Go outside. Even if it is cold, dress warmly and in layers. If you are in a wintery place like Chicago, try snowshoeing or cross country skiing. You can rent snowshoes at REI and other locations.
- Sick of the treadmill, but hoping to improve as a runner? Running coach, Sara Larsen from Coach Sara, suggests high-intensity interval training (HIIT). She says, “I became faster and more injury-resistant by adding the short bursts of running hard followed by shorts recovery periods. With the spring season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to switch things up and try a new workout.” One of her favorites: Aim for 30-40 minutes of HIIT running. Outside or on a treadmill, run hard (as fast as you can safely) for 30 seconds and then run a slow jog for 1:30. Aim for 15-20 repetitions. I totally agree with this one and have seen results from my miles on the ‘mill doing HIIT!
- Are you working out more than ever, but not seeing results? Rest more. This may sound counter-intuitive but you might be overtraining and suffering from fatigue. Learn more about overtraining from Active.com.
What tips do you have to spring clean your workout? Please share in the comments.
PS. Don’t forget my Manuka Newtons giveaway and my awesome raffle for Alexandra’s Playground!