Now that the sun is finally shining and the weather forecasts are warming up after a very Canadian winter, it’s time to think about how you’re going to enjoy the quickly thawing outside world. For many of us, spring is a time to get back to exercise after a winter inside on the couch. Here are some simple reminders of things you can do to help you get out there doing something and, more importantly, want to stay out there.
1. Your brain may remember how strong you were, but your muscles probably don’t…yet
Give yourself time to get back to where you were. You will feel sluggish and slow getting out there, but if you give yourself time to slowly increase your speed and distance, you’ll eventually get there. Ramping up too fast is the best way to get an injury right at the beginning of the season and miss out on all the good weather to come.
2. Set a Goal
When it first gets warm, it’s easy to get out the door, but as the season gets old you might find it not so easy. Take advantage of the natural desire to exercise and set a goal for yourself, that way, once the novelty wears off, you’ll still have a reason to get out and do something. We’re living in a golden age for casual exercisers, and with so many race options available to the weekend warriors of the world, there is bound to be something nearby for you to enjoy. Trying out a new team sport is another fantastic way to have fun and meet new people, while committing to weekly workouts.
3. Commit to just 10 minutes
When you don’t feel like exercising, commit to doing 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes, you still don’t want to do it, give yourself permission to head back home. Most of the time, once you’ve been out for 10 minutes, you’ll realize you didn’t feel so bad and you may be surprised how much longer you’ll go.
4. Don't Skip Drinking Water and Stretching
Two of the easiest things to keep you feeling good after exercise also seem to be the most easily skipped. Hydration is important to prevent cramps and keep you feeling good, even on cooler days when you might not crave it as much. Stretching after exercise can help decrease the risk of injury, so it’s worth the couple minutes at the end of a workout, even if it’s the last thing on your mind.
5. Rest!
Take rest days to recover after exercise. This is easier at the beginning, but once the soreness decreases, you might feel a bit like a superhero and skip a couple rest days. Try to schedule them into the week if this is an issue for you, and if you feel like a slacker, just remind yourself the extra rest will let you work a lot harder the next day.
1. Your brain may remember how strong you were, but your muscles probably don’t…yet
Give yourself time to get back to where you were. You will feel sluggish and slow getting out there, but if you give yourself time to slowly increase your speed and distance, you’ll eventually get there. Ramping up too fast is the best way to get an injury right at the beginning of the season and miss out on all the good weather to come.
2. Set a Goal
When it first gets warm, it’s easy to get out the door, but as the season gets old you might find it not so easy. Take advantage of the natural desire to exercise and set a goal for yourself, that way, once the novelty wears off, you’ll still have a reason to get out and do something. We’re living in a golden age for casual exercisers, and with so many race options available to the weekend warriors of the world, there is bound to be something nearby for you to enjoy. Trying out a new team sport is another fantastic way to have fun and meet new people, while committing to weekly workouts.
3. Commit to just 10 minutes
When you don’t feel like exercising, commit to doing 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes, you still don’t want to do it, give yourself permission to head back home. Most of the time, once you’ve been out for 10 minutes, you’ll realize you didn’t feel so bad and you may be surprised how much longer you’ll go.
4. Don't Skip Drinking Water and Stretching
Two of the easiest things to keep you feeling good after exercise also seem to be the most easily skipped. Hydration is important to prevent cramps and keep you feeling good, even on cooler days when you might not crave it as much. Stretching after exercise can help decrease the risk of injury, so it’s worth the couple minutes at the end of a workout, even if it’s the last thing on your mind.
5. Rest!
Take rest days to recover after exercise. This is easier at the beginning, but once the soreness decreases, you might feel a bit like a superhero and skip a couple rest days. Try to schedule them into the week if this is an issue for you, and if you feel like a slacker, just remind yourself the extra rest will let you work a lot harder the next day.
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