SPRING INTO FITNESS!

“Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s Party!’”  This quote by the late Robin Williams captures how I feel about spring. I’m one of those people that sees spring as a time for fresh starts and new commitments, even more so than the start of a new year!  If you live in Canada, the difference between December and January is negligible. Same snow (or no snow!), same cold temps etc etc.  But when March and April hit, we get to see signs of change: grass turning greener, spring bulbs popping through, birds chirping and longer days of sunlight!  Now that’s what I call transformative! So let’s use this ideal time of year to refocus on our health, our energy and renew our commitments to taking care of ourselves so we can put our best selves forward!

Here are a few ideas to kickstart your spring routine and get you excited about your health!

1. Spring Cleaning! Don’t like to clean? Well I’m talking about purging, not vacuuming or dusting your house.  Start with your closet - get in there and donate any items that do not fit you.  Stop making yourself feel bad when you open the closet and see clothes that you wish you fit into but don’t.  Sure you can hang on to one or two special items that are realistic for you to fit one day, but other than that, my advice is get rid of it and stop focusing on size and shape, and start focusing on how you feel, inside and out.  It all starts in your mind, so give yourself permission to rid yourself of unwanted and unnecessary clothing.  ESPECIALLY workout clothes.  Nothing like a too tight pair of tights to bring your vibe down!

2. Get outside!  With warmer weather comes increased opportunities to move your body and embrace the sunny skies.  The Vitamin D boost and the harmony our bodies feel being in nature are well researched and crucial for our mental wellness.  Even a walk in the park over your lunch hour can rejuvenate you.  Take your regular workouts to your garage with the door open or in your backyard to invigorate your body and your mind!

3. Eat in season!  Warmer temps means more opportunities to eat local produce and eat what’s grown in season.  Not only does this benefit the environment (lowering shipping distances, costs and associated transportation waste) but when you eat what’s in season you increase your nutrient intake and feel fuller longer with fresh fruits and vegetables in your system. 

4. Socialize! Working out with a buddy or at least incorporating your friends or family in your fitness lifestyle increases your likelihood of sticking with a workout routine.  Try a new sport or workout with a buddy, make a fitness plan and hold yourself accountable by letting people know what you’re up to. Refer people to join you in your Dart Fit workout class, and in March that means an increased chance for you to win a prize pack!

5. Celebrate your journey! I’m a big believer in setting small, achievable goals for yourself and rewarding yourself along the way.  For example, aim for 3 workouts a week, and when you achieve that for a specified period of time treat yourself to some new workout gear, a fitness magazine, a healthy meal out, a cooking class or even a spa treatment. We need to celebrate ourselves for prioritizing our health, and if tangible rewards excite you then this can be a game changer!

Spring is a time of transformation and growth, making it the perfect opportunity to renew your commitment to fitness and embrace a healthier lifestyle. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can spring into fitness with enthusiasm, motivation, and a renewed sense of vitality.