Fitness Monday: 10 Simple Ways to Welcome Spring and Get Moving at the Same Time
It’s almost spring. I can smell it in the air (also, my allergies are beginning to surface, which is a sure sign winter is almost over). It was in the 60s here on Saturday, although the grey sky and the wind made that hard to believe. The “Real Feel” was something like 56 degrees. Still. the ground is squishy underfoot and the birds have returned with the morning chatter. I’m just waiting to see some green. But it’s coming – oh yes, it’s coming.
One of the best things about the weather turning is that I suddenly feel rejuvenated. Energized. In spite of my perpetual sleep deprivation. If you’ve been sedentary all winter, now is the time to get off the couch and move your bones. If it’s still chilly where you live, bundle up and get out there anyway, especially if the sun is showing its face. There’s nothing that will make you feel better this time of year than some vitamin D seeping into your pores.
Here are some ways to say goodbye to winter and welcome her successor while getting your blood moving:
- Go on a hike at a local park or nature preserve. Look around you – really look – at the earth, even if she’s still wearing her end-of-winter browns, and drink in the sights, sounds, and smells of a new season: birds chirping, the scent of damp soil, the sound of rushing water if you can hike near a river or creek.
- Go for a bike ride. Get out your bike, put some air in the tires, oil the chain, and jump on. Nothing feels more like the advent of spring than the feeling of wind in your face from the seat of a bicycle. Don’t have a bike? Consider shopping for one. It’s great exercise and a fun family activity, too.
- Fly a kite. These windy days are great for kite flying. Shop the dollar store or Target’s One Spot, find a park or head over to your local high school’s football field, and let ‘er rip.
- Sign up for a 5K. Spring abounds with 5K races nation wide. Sign up for one, and give yourself a reason for a daily jog throughout the season.
- Plant some bulbs. Gardening is a great form of exercise, and if the soil is thawed enough to plant some bulbs, now is a good time. In a matter of weeks, you’ll be rewarded with an explosion of flowers. But be warned: you might feel inspired to start spring cleaning your yard!
- Organize an outdoor game. Gather kids, family members, neighbors, friends, and/or colleagues for an informal weekend game of flag football, frisbee, or softball in someone’s (spacious) back yard or at a local park. Be bold and follow it up with the first cookout or picnic of the year.
- Go beachcombing. If you live near the ocean or one of the Great Lakes, load everyone up (dress in layers, including hats), and head to the beach for the first shoreline hike of the year. If the DNR hasn’t cleaned up yet, treasures could be waiting for you. Plus, there’s no prettier music than the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and hoofing it on sand is great exercise.
- Go car-less. If the post office, grocery store, or other places you frequent are within a mile or two of your home, consider walking or biking to do your errands. Of course, make sure you have the means to handle any cargo (wagon, bike panniers, etc.).
- Take the kids on a spring scavenger hunt. Make a list of things to search for, or find one online. Don’t have kids of your own? Borrow your nieces, nephews, or a good friend’s kiddos. They’ll love it – and you, for creating a special opportunity to spend time with them.
- Take your mat outside. If you’re a yoga or pilates lover, eschew your videos or indoor classes and take your mat outside on a sunny day instead. If you don’t mind strangers seeing you, find a truly tranquil location, like a park or nature preserve. Being in natural surroundings can improve your mental focus and well-being during the practice.
Happy Spring!
