Taking It To The Streets...

I love talking to people at the gym. I know…. I’m supposed to be totally focused on my workout, and for the most part I am, but I also love hearing what others are doing to get fit and stay that way. However, lately there seems to be a general lack of enthusiasm and motivation among my gym cohorts! Maybe it’s the hot weather, maybe everyone is really busy, maybe they’ve realized that summer is almost over and they still haven’t gotten into swimsuit shape, or maybe they’re just BORED with their current workout!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Exercise needs variety. We are not like little hamsters willing to repeat the same activity over and over, day after day with no changes! We need to vary our routines, our intensity and sometimes, even our scenery; not only to prevent boredom, but also to see better results!
Of course you can try new classes, workshops, trainers and equipment, but with the warm weather still upon us, why not try just getting outside? Beyond just walking, running and biking, go to a local park or school stadium/track, and try a workout that will give you both a change of scenery and a challenge!
-Start with a few walking laps around the track or park.
-Then, do 10 walking lunges/15 seconds jog (Repeat 5x).
-10 side lunges/15 seconds skipping (Repeat 5x).
-10 forward jumps/15 second sprints/rest or walk 15 seconds (Repeat 5x).



Find a set of steps either near the park or in the bleachers and run up each step while staying on your toes. Walk down and repeat 5x, then run up every other step with a wider stance. Walk down and repeat this 5x
Repeat the whole routine if you’re feeling energetic and/or add in some strength training body weight moves like:
-Push-ups on a park bench or on the bleachers
-Bench squats on bleachers or bench (Hold your arms out in front of you and squat to a sitting position. When your rear taps the bench, push yourself up with your glute muscles)
-Tricep dips on the edge of bleachers or a bench
Wear your heart rate monitor and see how hard you work yourself. You can always hold back or push harder the next time.
So, give it a try while the weather is still calm. It won’t be long before we’re all dressed in coats and boots and lots of layers, grateful for the warmth of the gym. Enjoy the sunshine now, and recharge your fitness batteries in the process!!!