Springtime brings with it sunshine, warm weather, and the perfect conditions for stepping up the weight loss regimen and workout goals. With the chirping birds cheering you on, and the budding flowers sending confetti into the air, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Let these seven tips and the blossoming of spring motivate you to overcome and succeed.
1. Spring clean the pantry
Get that junk food out of here. Ditch the white flour, white rice, and other refined grains. Dump the sugar, alcohols, and artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame.
Toss the Crisco, margarine, and “low-fat” or “sugar-free” sweets. Anything that has a chemist’s Christmas list in the ingredients does not have a place on your plate, okay?
Embrace a healthier diet full of vegetables, fruits, and organic proteins. Case in point: Read the ingredients list as fervently as the latest release from your favorite author.
2. Visit the farmer’s market or organic supermarket
With the warmer weather coming around, a lot of seasonal produce is going to be hitting the supermarket shelves. If you do not have a local farmer’s market where you can get your hands on locally sourced, seasonal fruits and vegetables, then commit to spending a bit more time in the organic section of the supermarket.
Do not worry about the price tag. Fresh food that is not doused in pesticides or made of GMOs has tons more nutrients and vitamins, so you can stop popping those multivitamins in the morning.
Farmer’s markets are also great for getting you in the springtime spirit. Enjoy the energy and diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh goodies.
3. Get new workout gear
Similar to cleaning out the pantry, you need to rejuvenate your selection of workout clothes too. A sports bra from five years ago may still fit, but think about how much abuse that poor piece of clothing has taken.
Get yourself motivated by purchasing some new leggings, sneakers, bras, and tops. When you feel incredible in your workout gear, you are going to want to be more active.
Another thing to consider is picking up some equipment. If you have had your eye on a set of free weights, resistance bands, or an eco-friendly yoga mat, now is the best time to make the investment.
More: 4 Tips for Keeping Your Complexion Gorgeous This Spring
4. Add new music to the playlist
How many times a week do you listen to the same workout playlist? If you are hitting the gym regularly, you may be hearing the same selection of songs over and over.
If that works for you, ignore this tip. But if you are like me, who gets bored of songs after hearing them 5 times, keeping the playlist a surprise helps pump me up.
Choose songs that get your feet tapping and body moving. Higher beats per minute (bpm) are great for running playlists while something “heavy” can get you in the mood for lifting weights.
5. Mix up the routine
Obviously, your spring routine should be different from your winter routine. If you found yourself spending a lot of time in the weight room over winter, now is the time to take your training circuit to the park for some outdoor calisthenics.
Do something new, like outdoor yoga, parkour, bicycling, or surfing. Spring is the perfect time to get curious.
6. Do not over-train
But as excited as you may be to finally have more daylight and warmer weather, remember that the body can only handle so much. Listen to your body.
Take adequate rest days. If you fell off the bandwagon in winter, never jump right into an old, vigorous routine, as this can get you injured in the blink of an eye.
7. Get outside and do not stop moving
Again, springtime is a wonderful season, because while the weather is slightly unpredictable, the temperature is just right. You do not have to be doing a “workout,” per se.
Get outside for some gardening (and grow your own organic garden), rake leaves, pick up sticks, play with the dog, build a treehouse, wash the car, or go for walks through the neighborhood. Get out in nature and enjoy the fresh air – just by doing that alone, you will feel instantly healthier.
More: 10 Incredible Buddha Bowls to Update Your Diet
It is time to get out of hibernation and shed that winter insulation once and for all. Springtime is all about new opportunities and growth.
Embrace the warm days and fresh produce. Get outside, keep moving, and commit to clean, natural noshing. With these seven tips, you will start your fitness journey on the right foot.1