Spring is officially here and so is the time for our dreams to blossom! As the sun shines longer and the weather starts to warm, it is a great time to begin focusing on your fitness journey.
Why Do We Exercise?
Being physically active is extremely important and beneficial for all aspects of our health. It strengthens bones and muscles, reduces risk of disease, and improves sleep. It also boosts our energy and improves brain health. When we exercise, our brain releases serotonin and dopamine reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise can be fun and and exciting! Whether you are outside or inside, by yourself or with a group, it is a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy yourself and your surroundings.
If you’re unsure how to begin your fitness journey- do not fret! We’ve got you covered!
Designing Your Fitness Plan:
Before you get started, ask yourself a few questions.
~ What is my fitness goal?
~ How can I accomplish this goal?
~ What does my availability look like?
~ Where am I most comfortable starting my fitness journey?
By taking a moment to ask yourself important questions about your fitness dreams, you can better understand your body and where to begin.
Types of Exercises:
Aerobic exercises focus on the heart and lungs. Some great aerobic exercises include brisk walking, dancing, or swimming. Some more vigorous aerobic exercises include running or cycling. Other fun exercises to try this spring are hiking or outdoor sports, such as basketball or pickleball. Not only do these ideas provide excellent exercise, but they are very fun activities to involve your kids in!
Strength training involves resistance machines or weights to build and maintain muscle mass and strength. While these types of workouts can be done in the gym with machines, you can also do them at home at your own leisure. If you do not have your own set of weights, you can use your own body weight, heavy bags, or resistance bands. You could also look into fun activities such as rock climbing!
Balance exercises utilize multiple systems to keep you upright and oriented. Yoga is an extremely popular type of balance exercise that can increase “endurance, strength, calmness, and flexibility.” Try a yoga class or a free online routine at home or at the park this spring!
Tips to Achieve Your Fitness Dreams:
~ Start simple and ease into it. This will allow your body to adjust to your new exercises and routine, reducing risk of injury and over-exhaustion.
~ Listen to your body. Do not push yourself too hard. If you’re feeling unsure about a specific exercise or notice a part of your body is beginning to hurt, stop the exercise and evaluate yourself.
~ Avoid comparison. Remember, this is your fitness journey. There is no competition when it comes to your health. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to negative thoughts that will impact your fitness journey and overall mental health.
~ Remember to stretch. Stretching is extremely important because it “keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy.” Without it, our muscles become tight which can raise the risk for “joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.” Stretching takes time to work, so make sure to include it in your routine.
~ Allow time for recovery. A big misconception about fitness is that you need to be exercising and pushing your body consistently. Rest and recovery “gives the body time to repair, rebuild, and strengthen itself between workouts.”
Conclusion:
Remember, any kind of movement is better than none! You don’t need to train like an olympic athlete to reap the benefits of exercise. Think about what is realistic for you, and start your fitness journey from there. All it takes is a single step!
Join us here on March 19th for a fun springtime workout! This 30-minute virtual exercise class is designed exclusively for single moms, and will be led by our expert trainer, Yashica!
For more information on the benefits of outdoor exercise, click here.
