Spring Ahead
Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton
Image courtesy www.freedigitalphotos.net
We are at the time of the year when we move our clocks ahead one hour in lieu of daylight savings time, the days will become longer, and the feel of spring is in the air. It is time to say goodbye to “old man winter” and look forward to that first robin of the year to appear.
This is the perfect time to start planning the outdoor activities that will provide us with our exercise needs. It’s a good time to get the bikes in good working order, it’s also good time to clean-up the golf clubs if you’re a biker or golfer. This can provide inspiration for us to get outside and get some exercise.
Another way we can inspire ourselves into getting out and getting some exercise is to plan to participate in a charitable walk(s). This serves two very good purposes, first we get the exercise, and secondly we help raise money for a good cause. The schedule for most of the walks held during the spring/summer/fall seasons can be found on the internet.
Depending how active you have been throughout the winter will serve as a marker for where you should start. If you are a winter enthusiast and have remained active during the winter months you are probably ready to go. If on the other hand you have spent the winter relatively inactive there are a few things that we should take into consideration such as:
- The length of time we spend walking/biking during our initial start. We want to start slowly and increase the time we spend walking/biking up gradually.
- Distance, the same holds true with how far we walk or bike. Take short trips to begin with, and gradually increase how far you go.
- Lastly, let’s not forget about our pets, the same holds true for them! Time and distance should be gradually increased when walking them if they have spent the winter relatively inactive.
It is important to keep things moving along at a slow and gradually pace because more people have given up on incorporating a regular exercise routine into their lives by starting out too quickly, injuring themselves, becoming disillusioned, and say the heck with this exercise stuff.
Exercise is also more fun when you have someone to do it with. Find a friend, neighbor or family member, they will provide company as well as to help keep you accountable on those days when you just don’t feel like doing anything! The truth is, it’s on the days that we don’t feel like exercising, that afterwards, we usually do feel better about ourselves.
Many folks that exercise on a regular basis find it to be addictive (what a great addiction to have) and are disappointed when they are unable to do so, that is why it is so important to manage our time. When you schedule something ask yourself, is this the time I normally go for my walk or bike ride or whatever form of exercise you do? Try not to break your routine, exercise for our bodies is as important as anything else, it sustains our bodies and provides us with energy.
“Nothing’s better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you”.
Aaron Douglas Trimble
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