Spring is only just around the corner (Yay!) and soon there will be no more "it's too cold" excuses to get out there and training! Get that bod bikini ready over the coming months slynkey girls! Here are some easy ways to get moving again without hefty gym fees:Walk to work
Walk all the way or park further away than you usually do and walk part of the way to work. You will be in a rush to get to work in the morning and keen to get home at night, so this will ensure a good pace - This is will no doubt save you parking money too!
Organise a walking or running group
Get a group of workmates or girlfriends together and meet up regularly, round the nearest park or through a central city route. You will find yourself chatting and the time will fly - And knowing you are letting the group down will keep you turning up!
Walk a friends dog
If you don't have a pooch of your own, borrow someone else's! Big dogs can walk or jog for long periods of time, will provide you with company and added security - Your friends will thank you too!
But after a long winter of reduced activity or inactivity you need to be careful to avoid early season injuries with these tips:
Start slow but Steady.
Don’t exert yourself too much, just start with shorter length, slow paces and increase everything slowly over the first month or so. A 10% increase is a good guide. And definitely alternate your days. This will build your base fitness and protect you when you do start turning up the heat!
Follow a Training Program and Keep Records.
If you really want to build back up to optimal fitness, it helps to establish a training plan and stick with it. There are many training programs for all types of sports and having one is not only good motivation, but it helps keep you from doing too much too soon.
Remember to cut Yourself Some Slack!
If you took the winter off, don't expect to be back to peak fitness in a week or two. It's ok to go slow and just enjoy being outside again. There's plenty of summer left, so don't worry about going a bit slower in the beginning.
Train With Others at Your Fitness Level.
If you can find a few people with the same fitness level and goals as you it can help kept you progressing at a good pace. Training with those who are farther along will only encourage you to overdo it, get injured or feel ‘behind’ in your training. Workouts with more fit people can be motivating and help you improve, but only after you have a good solid base to work with. Otherwise they can be harmful.
Most of all Remember to Have Fun!
Keep in mind that this is Spring Training which is a time for fun, light-hearted exercise. You aren't competing and you aren't burnt out yet. So just relax and enjoy your activity. You won't continue something you don't enjoy.
