Getting Ready for Spring Part 3

  Spring is just around the corner, and even though its cold now, we will soon be breaking out the tank-tops and sundresses. My past posts have been about cleaning up the food-part of your life, but this post is different. A healthy diet is necessary but an active lifestyle is key to over-all health. Spring is about new beginnings for everything and everyone, and its a great time to start a healthy journey or take yours up a notch!

#1
Starting Your Active Lifestyle. This is easier, much easier, than it sounds!  Maybe you don't think you have time, the equipment, or know-how to workout or get active, but you don't need a lot of any of those! Being active can be accomplished in a number of ways! Like; parking your car out a little further from the store, walking or riding a bike to work or school(if you live near enough), or walking the dog. Working out doesn't have to take hours, 20 or 30 minutes is plenty! You don't need any equipment but your body to get results! I encourage you to take a few minutes to think about how you can incorporate working out into your day. I like the saying, 'If you have time for Facebook, you have to workout!' because it is true! Spring is a great time to jump start your active lifestyle because the weather is warmer and you can be outside a lot more, plus you want to look good in those short-sleeves and bathing suites right?

 #2
Kicking your Workouts up a notch. So, maybe you are already pretty active, but you are doing the same old thing everyday. Most people(including myself) are guilty or doing the same exercise everyday. Changing it up every week or so is very important to see results. Spring is a great time to try out new workouts or exercises. I know for myself, I am working on sculpting my arms to look good in tank-tops and short-sleeves. Also, its important to focus on the whole body, not just one part of it. I am not just lifting weights to try and tone my arms, but I am working my whole body with several different workouts. Here is a quick, full-body workout you can try to get ready for Spring!

50 Squat Jumps( Works the legs. Starting in a squat and jump, landing with bent knees, repeat.)
10 Push-ups (Works the chest, arms and core. Start in a Plank position and press up and down.)
10 Butterfly Crunches.( Works the thighs and core. With the legs in a lifted 'butterfly' position, and arms behind the head, bring you head to met your feet.)
50 Calf Raises (Works the Calves. Standing up straight, simple go on your tippy toes and the back down. repeat)
50 Bumble Bee Pulses (Works the shoulders and arms. Standing or sitting, hold your arms out to your side and pulse up and down)
50 Bunny Hops ( Works the legs. Bend your knees and start 'hopping' up and down in place)
50 Duck Squats (Works the legs. Start with you legs a little wider than your shoulders and your toes pointed out. Squat up and down.)

See? Working out doesn't have to take a lot of time, equipment or know-how! That workout is pretty simple, but repeating it a few times or pairing it with a run or some yoga can make it a full-blown exercise routine! Please be careful and only do this workout if you are able! I don't want you to get hurt!

I hope this post encourages you to be active and start a working out, or take your daily workouts up a notch! Getting Ready for Spring is exciting and fun for every part of your life! If you liked this post, check out my other Spring post (Getting Ready for Spring Part 1 and 2) and please share with a friend!

Pictures are from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Keep healthy and SAFE!
H.Banana