Meridian Home and Style March/April 2022 | Page 36

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Spring into fitness with these tips

By Kim Monsour Contributing Columnist

With spring fast approaching and swimsuit season on the horizon , many of you may be thinking now is the perfect time to kick-start your fitness journey . The weather is getting slightly warmer and the days are getting longer which means the outdoors may be a better option for getting fit vs the gym .

Spring is a wonderful time to get fit and stay fit throughout the summer and beyond . Let ’ s take a closer look at some methods for kicking off your spring fitness routine .
• Consistency . Consistency is the key to getting in shape . You must consistently work out for 30 minutes to 1 hour at least 3-5 times per week to see optimal results . If you workout 7 days one week , then do nothing for the next 2-3 weeks , your results may be less than optimal . Consistency over time is what
Monsour drives results , and early spring provides time for plenty of consistency before bikini season officially starts .
• Plan workouts in advance . Spring can be a busy time for many people as families celebrate the Easter holiday , travel for spring break , and even begin planning summer vacations . Therefore , it is important to plan your workouts in advance in order to maintain consistency . Undoubtedly , there will be challenges and some days it will seem impossible to fit in a workout , but with proper planning ,
it can be done .
• Recognize the gym is not the only option for getting in shape . Many people think they have to spend 2 hours per day in a gym in order to get in shape . Luckily , there are many other activities that can be enjoyed outside the walls of a gym . For example , jogging , biking , tennis , and hiking are all great forms of exercise that can be done in the great outdoors . Spring weather helps aid in the variety for outdoor activities and workouts . Many outdoor activities , such as kayaking and paddle boarding , are enjoyable and burn many calories . This can be great mental and physical exercise .
• Build a supportive community . Being surrounded by people who support your fitness journey will be one of the keys to success . Whether it ’ s your friends or your family members , you must surround yourself with positive , fitness-minded individuals who will encourage you and hold you accountable . If your current group of friends is not supportive of your fitness goals , it may be time to find new “ fitness ” friends who do share the same goals . For example , by joining health and fitness groups , such as a running club or walking group , your focus and accountability is better maintained . Check your local area for hiking and running groups that are making a renewed start in the spring .
• Track workouts and activities . Tracking workouts and activities allows you to see how far you ’ ve come since you started your fitness journey . As your fitness level improves , you will begin to feel even more inspired to keep going . This can really aid in maintaining motivation .
• Eat well and stay hydrated . As the weather gets warmer in the spring , it ’ s important to stay hydrated . Sweating will definitely increase in the warmer temperatures . Eating nutrient dense foods that will fuel your body is also important .
As you can see , getting in shape for the spring and summer is fairly simple but it does not mean that it will be easy .
• Kim Monsour is a professional health and wellness consultant , health coach and personal trainer . She can be reached at kimmonsour @ gmail . com
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