Keep spring workout mania going year round

(ARA) – As the weather gets warmer, people think about gettingoutside and becoming active again. Warm weather and longer daysprovide the natural motivation that many folks need, but it alsocan be challenging getting back into the swing of things if theweather has kept you from pursuing a consistent workoutregimen.

So, as you plot out your plan to regain your form, think aboutmixing workouts into your routine that will help you remain activethroughout the year so you can avoid the same difficult transitionnext year. Here are a few tips to follow as you construct anexercise plan that can be continued even after the good weatherpasses:

• Consider a gym membership. While you might prefer to enjoy theoutdoors during workouts when it’s nice, a health club can offerthe same opportunities when the weather isn’t great, whether it’sthe summer or winter. Many clubs have groups such as running clubs,which provide some extra motivation because the group workouts arescheduled at a specific time.

Fitness instructors at the clubs may also be able to help youformulate a plan for staying active throughout the year. Check tosee if your health insurance provider offers a discount on clubmemberships, as many providers do with the condition that you visitthe club regularly.

• Bring the gym home. While gyms provide a year-round locationfor exercising, finding the time and motivation to make it therecan present an extra barrier. That’s why for some, buying a pieceof workout equipment for the home is a better and more convenientalternative.

Today’s home workout equipment has come a long way from theflimsy home treadmills of years ago, with swim spas representingsome of the most innovative tools. Using wave propulsiontechnologies, swim spas offer the same benefits as a pool withouttaking up nearly the space at a fraction of the cost.

World champion swimmer Michael Phelps, who will be incorporatingthe use of a swim spa in his own training, provided input on thedesign of a signature line of swim spas for Master Spas.

Not everybody has access to a community pool or their localpool is only open for a few months out of the year. A swim spaprovides another way for people to access water, whether it’s justfor fun or for exercise, year round, says Phelps.

• Look for workouts that can be completed in a small indoorspace. For example, yoga and Pilates workouts offer extensivephysical benefits, yet only require a little bit of open floorspace. Learn by enrolling in classes or through videos. Otherbeneficial stationary circuit workouts comprised of body-weightexercises like pushups and sit-ups don’t require much space either.An added bonus of using a swim spa is you can also use it for thesetypes of land-based workouts and water aerobics.

•Being able to stay active all year ultimately means finding aroutine that continues to be interesting and fits into your dailylife. So as you figure out how you are going to get back into shapethis spring, try some new things that you can potentially continuethrough the winter and see what works best for you.

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