Hello friends,
and welcome to this month’s Joyinmovement newsletter.
and welcome to this month’s Joyinmovement newsletter.
Spring has definitely sprung! Lately I’ve felt like I’m
coming out of hibernation. I’m noticing revitalization-type energy in
others as well. The days are longer, the sun and light seem different,
and plants are in bloom.
coming out of hibernation. I’m noticing revitalization-type energy in
others as well. The days are longer, the sun and light seem different,
and plants are in bloom.
I’ve
also noticed more and more people exercising outdoors, and in general a
much more energetic attitude towards “training”. It’s a funny thing
about exercise: it takes energy and gives you energy. That’s a hard
concept for people who aren’t active to grasp, but we who DO find
Joyinmovement understand that first hand.
also noticed more and more people exercising outdoors, and in general a
much more energetic attitude towards “training”. It’s a funny thing
about exercise: it takes energy and gives you energy. That’s a hard
concept for people who aren’t active to grasp, but we who DO find
Joyinmovement understand that first hand.
People
who exercise have more energy, are better able to focus, eat healthier,
sleep more soundly and generally have better self-esteem and zest for
life. That’s an incredible trade-off for a few hours every week!
who exercise have more energy, are better able to focus, eat healthier,
sleep more soundly and generally have better self-esteem and zest for
life. That’s an incredible trade-off for a few hours every week!
So,
in keeping things simple this month, here are 10 tips for springing into action!
in keeping things simple this month, here are 10 tips for springing into action!
1. Become
an early or earlier riser. I find myself doing this quite naturally. I
rarely wake up to an alarm clock, yet somehow during April I found
myself getting up about a half hour earlier than I was during the winter
months. Something about the early light gets me up and outdoors. So get
up early and soak up energy from the morning sun, and see if that gets
your day off to a great start. I know it does mine.
an early or earlier riser. I find myself doing this quite naturally. I
rarely wake up to an alarm clock, yet somehow during April I found
myself getting up about a half hour earlier than I was during the winter
months. Something about the early light gets me up and outdoors. So get
up early and soak up energy from the morning sun, and see if that gets
your day off to a great start. I know it does mine.
2. In general, get more light. Go for a walk or run at
noontime during peak sunlight hours. This provides your body with
vitamin D. It also allows you to recharge for your afternoon tasks. If I
do this just right, and don’t workout too much at midday (so that I’m
not feeling like taking a nap), I find that my afternoon work sessions
are focused and productive. In fact, I’m writing this after having just
taken an exercise/swim break from noon to 2 pm, and I’ve come back to
work raring to go!
noontime during peak sunlight hours. This provides your body with
vitamin D. It also allows you to recharge for your afternoon tasks. If I
do this just right, and don’t workout too much at midday (so that I’m
not feeling like taking a nap), I find that my afternoon work sessions
are focused and productive. In fact, I’m writing this after having just
taken an exercise/swim break from noon to 2 pm, and I’ve come back to
work raring to go!
3. Use
your energy wisely. As I alluded to in tip #2, exercise during the time
of day when you have the most energy and motivation. Timing can make or
break the benefits you’ll receive, so experiment with different times
of the day and see how it goes. Energy, motivation, and a time that fits
your schedule will create a routine that you’ll stick with.
4. Enjoy
the longer days. One of the rituals I slip into every spring is taking a
walk after dinner. Even if I’ve exercised earlier in the day, after I
eat, I take my dog out for a walk. It aids my digestion, it thrills my
dog and I really enjoy the longer days. Try some twilight runs or bike
rides, or even a leisurely stroll. Catch a sunset and let go of the
stress of the day. It’ll help you sleep like a baby!
the longer days. One of the rituals I slip into every spring is taking a
walk after dinner. Even if I’ve exercised earlier in the day, after I
eat, I take my dog out for a walk. It aids my digestion, it thrills my
dog and I really enjoy the longer days. Try some twilight runs or bike
rides, or even a leisurely stroll. Catch a sunset and let go of the
stress of the day. It’ll help you sleep like a baby!
5. Plan your spring training program. Set challenging
yet realistic goals for yourself. Whether it’s body composition changes
or a triathlon, make a plan, chart your progress, have fun and plan some
rewards. Don’t just be a goal setter…..be a goal getter. Spring is a
natural time of year to start a plan.
yet realistic goals for yourself. Whether it’s body composition changes
or a triathlon, make a plan, chart your progress, have fun and plan some
rewards. Don’t just be a goal setter…..be a goal getter. Spring is a
natural time of year to start a plan.
6. Open up your senses. When you spend time outdoors,
make an effort to smell what’s in bloom, hear the birds sing, and see
the colors of nature all around you. Spring is a time of change in
nature, so don’t miss it by forgetting to open up and take it in!
make an effort to smell what’s in bloom, hear the birds sing, and see
the colors of nature all around you. Spring is a time of change in
nature, so don’t miss it by forgetting to open up and take it in!
7. Take advantage of the drier terrain. I enjoy trail
running and during the rainy season I don’t get to do it much. Hilly trail runs will get you into shape QUICKLY!
Explore new trails you’ve heard about and bring along a friend. Run,
hike, bike, and of course swim. The drier weather also means those
outdoor pools will open again!
running and during the rainy season I don’t get to do it much. Hilly trail runs will get you into shape QUICKLY!
Explore new trails you’ve heard about and bring along a friend. Run,
hike, bike, and of course swim. The drier weather also means those
outdoor pools will open again!
8. It seems like my social life picks up in the spring.
It’s somehow much easier to call a friend to join me for an outing.
Weather is better and people are more up for activity. Join a running or
triathlon club, participate in group
sports, and allow for extra time for socializing with people. It’s a
nice time of year to make new connections or reconnect with friends you
haven’t seen much during the winter. I find making a date to do
something active is the best way to get together!
It’s somehow much easier to call a friend to join me for an outing.
Weather is better and people are more up for activity. Join a running or
triathlon club, participate in group
sports, and allow for extra time for socializing with people. It’s a
nice time of year to make new connections or reconnect with friends you
haven’t seen much during the winter. I find making a date to do
something active is the best way to get together!
9. Improve your nutrition. If you’ve been taking in too
much caffeine, cut back. It will improve your sleep. Have you been
eating enough fresh fruit? I know for me, come springtime I probably eat
2 or 3 times more fruit than I did during the winter months. Drink more
water to re-hydrate. These three changes alone will likely help you
slim down from your winter weight gain.
much caffeine, cut back. It will improve your sleep. Have you been
eating enough fresh fruit? I know for me, come springtime I probably eat
2 or 3 times more fruit than I did during the winter months. Drink more
water to re-hydrate. These three changes alone will likely help you
slim down from your winter weight gain.
10. Try out new sports. If you’re a runner, try cycling
or swimming for cross training. Experiment with a new activity you’ve
never done before. This is so important, as we tend to get stuck in
sport ruts all the time. I love trying new activities and finding fun in
unexpected places. Frisbee golf anyone??
or swimming for cross training. Experiment with a new activity you’ve
never done before. This is so important, as we tend to get stuck in
sport ruts all the time. I love trying new activities and finding fun in
unexpected places. Frisbee golf anyone??
Get up, get out and get active. Make it fun!
MAYbe, just MAYbe, you’ve been wondering when my
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Also, watch your inbox for
a very special Mother’s Day offering!
a very special Mother’s Day offering!
shelli
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