Spring Break Is Over So It’s Time For SWEAT Break!
Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. Everyone naturally gets the bug to do some spring cleaning…clean the carpets, dust the blinds, purge, scrub the grill, get the yard cleaned up…Think of your body in the same way!
Here’s a list of 10 healthy actions to take to clean up your body and get yourself in great shape for summer.
1. See Your Docs
Spring is a great time to schedule an appointment for your annual physical, mammogram, get your teeth cleaned, check your eyes and hearing and have a skin check. Schedule all your appointments and get them all done in one swift Spring tune-up initiative.
2. Buy a New Fitness Outfit
Did you always get a new Easter outfit when you were younger?! Well don’t stop the tradition. Shop for a new fitness outfit or a new pair of shoes this Easter. It’s amazing what new gear can do to motivate you to get your move on!
3. Book a Session With a Trainer
Most people think trainers are just for the rich and famous but most could benefit from seeing a trainer for a couple sessions to have them design a program that you can do at home on your own. Find out which exercises you should be doing based on your strengths, weaknesses, imbalances and goals. See them once every 1-2 months to make updates to your program to assure you are constantly progressing. The investment will assure a safer program and quicker results.
4. Cleanse Your Kitchen
Clear out all the temptations you have in your cupboards. Get rid of any highly processed foods that are void of any nutrient value.
5. Rally a Friend
You’re not alone! Probably most of your friends, family and co-workers are also needing to jump-start their spring fitness program so do it together! Working out with a buddy is a lot more fun!
6. Register For a Race
Put purpose to your training and sign up for a run, a cycling tour or a triathlon. Training to get to the finish line is one of the best ways to get into great shape! Check out www.whyracingevents.com for a list of local, upcoming races.
7. Create a New Motivating Playlist
Music motivates and causes you to work harder. Create a playlist with your favorite tunes that will motivate you to get through your workouts when you’re not really feeling it.
8. Try Something New
Variety is the spice of life so try something you’ve never done before. Maybe Zumba, Indoor Rockclimbing, Boxing, Rowing, Tennis, Swimming, Cycling, Paddle-boarding, or Hiking will get you excited and make your workouts fun!
9. Create a Challenge
Most of us know what we need to do to get into great shape but there’s a disconnect between knowing and doing. Sometimes a fun challenge or friendly competition with some co-workers or family members can be just the right amount of motivation to inspire you to ramp up your fitness routine. It could be as simple as an online challenge you invite friends to do with you. You could start a Spring Streak challenge when you challenge your friends to workout every day for the next 2 months. You could host a Weight Loss challenge and all your friends pay in and the winner gets the prize! You could also search for more structured local challenges. We are hosting our annual 6 week Spring Makeover Challenge that starts Wed April 17th. The average person loses 10 pounds and some experience much more dramatic results than that. More Info.
10. Think Mind/Body/Spirit
Getting adequate sleep and managing your stress levels are critical to your overall health. Download an APP like CALM that can help you relax, meditate and manage your sleep and stress. Use it daily and make a note of the changes you experience. Spring Cleaning always feels good. This type of Spring Cleaning will feel even better!
Yours in health & fitness, Sherri McMillan
Note: As an avid Columbian reader, you can redeem a 2 week pass at her world-class training studio to help get you started. Contact 360.574.7292 for more details.
Join us for the Spring Classic Duathlon & Home Depot Half Marathon, 10K & 5K! THIS SUNDAY APRIL 14th! The Spring Classic Duathlon is a great opportunity for triathletes to shake off the winter-season rust and for the duathletes to get in an early season race. This long-running event is contested almost entirely on Marine Dr, which is closed to vehicle traffic – a rarity in the sport. You will ride and run right along the mighty Columbia River with beautiful views to make the time fly!
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.