Spring is the ideal time for a fresh, new start for many activities, and your fitness routine is no exception. If you have been less active than you like throughout the cooler winter months, spring is a great time to rev up your physical activity. Before you start getting more physically active, though, it's a good idea to schedule a visit with your primary care doctor to get a clean bill of health. Once you do that, the following tips can help you spring into fitness.
Tips For Springing Into Fitness For Seniors
- Start with little changes
It's common to be ecstatic about being more active, only to find that your enthusiasm quickly fades. Instead of vowing to walk a mile each morning and evening, for example, start smaller. When you go shopping, to visit friends or to church, park a bit further away than necessary and walk the rest of the way. Aim to take a walk around your neighborhood and build up from there.
- Buddy up
Everything is more fun when you have a buddy to participate in it with, and that's true for exercising as well. Find a friend who might want to get in better shape this spring and take them along for a walk, bike ride or swim session. An added bonus of having a friend to tag along with you is that you'll be more likely to follow through on your fitness plans if you have someone who is counting on you show up.
- Variety is the spice of life
There are almost as many methods of working fitness into your life as there are people in the world. Modifications and expansions on basic exercises allow you to customize them to your liking. Swimming is a perfect example. Few forms of exercise are so beneficial to your physical and mental health, but you might find doing laps boring or too strenuous. If this is the case, search for an exercise class that combines aerobics and dancing with fun swim moves. Another idea is to meet up with a mall walking club a few days a week, and on other days, take a stroll around your neighborhood.
- Invest in the right equipment
Like anything else, you need to have the right equipment in order to get into shape this spring. This equipment doesn't need to be expensive, or even complicated. Buying a good pair of supportive active shoes is a sound investment in your long-term active lifestyle. Stick with ones that have a non-slip sole to protect yourself if conditions are slick. Arm yourself with sunscreen and insect repellent if you're going to be outside and the conditions warrant it.
Spring is a wonderful time to get your body moving. It will thank you for it and you'll probably sleep better and be happier, too. Use the above tips to jumpstart your spring fitness routine.
