Written By Mikkie Mills / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
The cold winter weather influences people to stay inside and stray away from exercise. Fortunately, the season is only temporary, and then spring comes along, which offers the warmth and sun most people have been yearning for. Suddenly, their desire to get healthy comes into play, and they look for spring activities.
Becoming healthy and fit doesn't need to be a chore. Fitness can be fun and even something you look forward to if you integrate suitable activities. Here are four things you can do this spring to stay in shape.
Play a Sport
Adults and children alike enjoy sports. The teamwork and competition make playing games exciting and worth the work. Basketball, tennis and volleyball are great choices because they require you to move constantly. They also help with agility, strength and coordination and keep your heart and lungs strong.
If you don't want to engage in a game, there are other things you can do that will burn calories and build up those muscles. Check out a driving range to hit golf balls or a batting cage to swing at a few baseballs.
These movements get your heart rate up and release endorphins, which help you to feel good. Do some research to find the best golf clubs and softball bats to fit your size and stature before heading out.
Go for a Walk
Exercising doesn't need to be overly strenuous. A brief walk can get your blood pumping, and it beats sitting on the couch. You don't even have to go out of your way to plan a specified time to get this workout. Replace driving to nearby locations with walking. For example, if you have to go to the post office or store and either is close, put on your sneakers and walk.
The extra dose of vitamin D you get from the sun can do wonders for your body. It keeps your teeth and bones strong, regulates insulin levels and aids in lung function. Additionally, it keeps the nervous and immune systems performing optimally.
If you want to fit this exercise into your daily schedule, inviting a friend to tag along can help. It keeps you accountable so you'll be less likely to cancel, and you won't get bored along the route.
Ride a Bike
Bring out the kid in yourself and hop on your bicycle. If you haven't ridden in a while, you'll immediately wonder why you ever stopped, as cycling is an enjoyable sport. One ride gives you a full-body workout, and it's easier on the joints than other exercises. Don't forget to take safety measures and wear a helmet.
You can choose the ride's level of intensity. A trip around the block will be much easier than an off-roading excursion on grassy hills. Remember that you don't have to go alone. With a bit of research, you may be able to find and join cycling groups that meet several times each week.
Try Hiking
Grab your backpack and head out to explore nature. Going on a hike doesn't mean you have to pick a mountainous region to explore. Instead, you can travel through the woods or on trails. The most important thing about hiking is taking in the fresh air and getting a glimpse of the beauty nature has to offer.
Make sure you pack essentials, such as water, snacks, extra clothes and a first aid kit. Consider taking an entire meal along in case you decide to have a midday picnic. It's also important to take a phone and a solar charger so you can call for help if something should go wrong. Being prepared is the best way to stay safe.
If you have the winter blues, stay strong because spring is nearly here, which means it's time to toss out those unhealthy eating and exercise habits you developed over the cold months and replace them with restorative alternatives.
The first step is to add some fun activities to your schedule, as they'll whip you right back into shape before summer.
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Written By:
Mikkie Mills is a freelance writer from Chicago. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on interior design, budgeting hacks and DIY. When she's not writing, she's chasing the little ones around, walking her dog, or can be found rock climbing at the local climbing gym.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.