Spring presents a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your fitness routine. As the days get longer and temperatures rise, you have more opportunities to engage in various outdoor activities or even hire a private certified personal trainer indoors at your favourite fitness facility, like S.V.P.T. However, starting a fitness routine can be daunting, especially if you’ve been inactive during winter. So here are some tips to help you kickstart your spring fitness routine successfully.
Set clear, achievable goals
Define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to lose weight, gain muscle, improve flexibility, or run a marathon? Be sure to incorporate a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises to create a well-rounded routine. Consider working with a personal trainer for expert fitness coaching to help guide you and provide motivation. Setting clear, achievable goals will help keep you focused and motivated. Ensure your goals are S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). This could be as simple as committing to a 30-minute walk every day or as ambitious as preparing for a half-marathon by summer. Put a timeline on it, so it’s something to work towards each time you exercise.
Start slowly and gradually build up
If you’ve been inactive, your body needs time to adjust to the new routine. Start with light exercises like walking or yoga, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. A gradual approach reduces the risk of injury and increases the likelihood of maintaining your fitness routine. You were different from where you were last year, so remember this when you start. Slow and steady will always win the race.
Create a routine and stick to it
Consistency is key when it comes to fitness. Set aside specific times for exercise and make it a part of your daily routine, like an important appointment, and this appointment is non-negotiable. It might be challenging initially, but your body will adapt over time, and it will become a habit.
Incorporate variety into your workouts
Doing the same exercise every day can get boring, leading to a fitness plateau. Incorporate variety into your workouts to keep them interesting and to challenge different muscle groups. You can alternate between cardio exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance workouts. Also, find activities that you enjoy and look forward to doing. Whether dancing, swimming, hiking, or joining a sports team, participating in activities you enjoy will make it easier to stick to your fitness routine. Consider trying new workouts and mixing up your routine to keep things fresh and exciting.
Embrace outdoor activities: Spring is a great time to take your workout outdoors—activities like trail walks, stairs, cycling, or even recreational sports like basketball.
Prioritize rest and recovery
Rest and recovery are essential for preventing injuries and allowing your body to rebuild and strengthen itself. Incorporate rest days into your fitness routine and ensure you get adequate sleep each night. Listen to your body and adjust your workout intensity and frequency as needed to prevent overtraining and burnout.
Seek support
If you’re struggling to maintain your fitness routine or need advice, don’t be afraid to seek support from a fitness professional. At S.V.P.T., our certified personal trainers can create personalized training sessions to help you reach your fitness goals safely and effectively. Many trainees start at S.V.P.T. to learn proper programming and exercise form in a welcoming fitness community of like-minded people of all ages and fitness levels. You will get support, expertise and a lot of high-fives to help you stay motivated and inspired to reach your fitness goals.
Shara Vigeant, BA, NSCA-CPT, CFSC
