The Sun's Out. Whatcha Gonna Do About It?
Ok. So we all said we weren’t going to do this. This need-to-get-my-butt-in-beach-mode-yesterday-thing. I’ll break the news lightly: It’s already April.
You know what they say; spring flowers bring panicked gym members. People strapping themselves to the treadmill, breathing as heavy as a mountain climber sprinting up Everest, holding on for dear life, and just praying the pounds are flying off as fast as their sweat.
I remember doing that in college. Right before spring break, I was the Tasmanian she-devil in the gym. I have always been a procrastinator but I would justify my actions by saying that I work “extremely well under pressure.” Which I do, but then there is that saying, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” Unfortunately, that saying will trump my last minute mentality any day. So for what it’s worth, we still have some time, so let’s plan on making the most out of it!
Workout for time: Whenever you are working out against a clock you are going to push harder than you would normally. Get a set of 10 exercises, make a circuit for yourself, and complete the workout AS FAST AS YOU CAN! Yes, you can become a metabolism burning machine. For a sample circuit, check out this video!
Intensity class: There is a reason Elevations offers higher intensity classes, such as Intensity, BodyBlast and Bodypump. It is our job to kick yours. Most of the time, once you enter a class, no matter how intense or hard it gets, you will not leave. Just get your foot into a class, make that step, and you will be amazed what a little encouragement and a crazy instructor will do for the body!
Amp up your cardio: Like I told my cycle class recently, “Stop being allergic to the resistance dial.” Tough love. If you want to break out of rut, break a routine, or break a sweat, you are going to have to go beyond that 30 minute steady state cardio that you have been stuck on all winter. No more comfort zone! Throw in some intervals where you amp up the resistance or increase your speed. Start by adding just three to five one-minute bursts of all out work! Your body will love you for that. And if you are looking for a new challenge, how about the Run for the Red 5K with the Elevations Running Club?
Weight lifting: The actual activity of weightlifting only burns a moderate number of calories. But nothing puts lean muscle tissue on your body better than weightlifting, and nothing burns fat better than lean muscle. In fact, every pound of muscle burns 50 to 60 calories per day, 24/7.’ That is incredible! Do not be afraid to pick up the weights to get your body more toned for the spring and summer! If you can't do it yourself, think about bootcamp!
Better late than never, but never late is better. That’s why some of us are now being proactive procrastinators! I suggest that you try some of these tips to help move you along for the warmer months. Pick up the pace! I am right there with you.
*Kate is a Personal Trainer at Elevations Health Club.