Spring is in the air and that means renewed commitments to health and fitness are in the making. Just as our homes need a good spring cleaning, so do our exercise routines. Changing things is good for both the body and the soul. Your body is highly adaptable and needs to be constantly challenged. Our mind is susceptible to the same ruts as our muscles and needs to be awakened from the sad state of winter hibernation. Feed the mind so you can train the body and try these 5 new ideas to grow your exercise routine.

1. Fresh Routine

Try something new! Not only will it prevent boredom but it is a more effective way to train our body. If you train alone, try in a group. If you work one muscle group a day, try a full-body circuit. If you always do a 2-hour cardio session, challenge your paradigm and your body with a short Tabata protocol to burn fat (tah-bot-ah). That’s 20 seconds of 100% max effort, high-intensity cardio followed by just 10 seconds of rest. Repeat these intervals without pause a total of 8 times. Yes, it’s only 4 minutes total, but give it a try and you’ll be happy when you’re done! This can also be applied to resistance training by counting the repetitions each time. Just be sure to use lighter weights for maximum speed.

2. Fresh melodies

Just as we need to change our exercise routine, we also need to change our music selection. Your brain will get bored with the same old songs and that negative energy will carry over into your workout. Studies show that people who listen to music when they exercise actually burn more calories and perform better than those who don’t listen to music. So it’s time to add some new songs to your playlist. Pick something with a positive message, a fast pace, and turn up the volume!

3. Fresh new rags

New clothes always boost your confidence and make you feel good. So what makes us think we’ll be pumped up and ready to work out when we’re wearing dirty, leaky sweats that don’t fit and a 5-size-big t-shirt with cereal stains on the front? A new pair of running shoes or a new workout outfit will not only make you feel great, but also make you want to get out and exercise. Remember to always choose shoes and clothing that are ultra comfortable and with a breathable fabric that absorbs sweat.

4. Cool environment

Exercising in the same place every day isn’t much more fun than going to the same office for work every day. If you train inside, take it outside. Spring is the time to do it! If you exercise because it’s just something on your to-do list, do something on your “wish” list that you enjoy, like riding a bike or walking with family and friends. When we were kids, we just went out to play. Who says it should be different just because we’re older?

5. Fresh food

Granted, it’s not exactly part of your fitness routine, but you can reward yourself after your workout with a trip to your local Farmers Market for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s always more fun to go to a Farmer’s Market than the same ole grocery store, plus the produce is fresh from local growers. Pick out succulent, sweet organic berries to add to your post-exercise protein shake, and pick up some veggies for dinner while you’re there.

Our thoughts control our actions, yet the mind is often the most overlooked element in a complete health and fitness routine. By adding these new ideas to your exercise routine, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and grow!

By Carrie Morgan CPT, CFNC