Put A spring in your step!

It’s starting to warm up, the days are getting longer- Spring is finally here! The onset of spring often fills us with a bit of hope and motivation and it’s a great time to change up your exercise regime. You can take advantage of milder weather and take your exercise routine outside and get all the benefits of what that has to offer. Fresh air and sunshine for an added boost of vitamin D combined with a bit of cardio or strength training can really lift your mood and give you an extra dose of endorphins. But, let's face it, British weather is changeable so if the weather is bad, don’t be put off, move your activity indoors!
 
Exercise for Well-Being
The benefits of regular exercise, whether a daily brisk walk or more structured regime, are vast. Research shows how just 10 minutes of brisk activity boosts mental alertness, mood and energy levels.
The end of dark mornings and the onset of longer days gives us more opportunity to spend time doing physical activities. If you work during the day , the extra daylight in the morning or evening means you have a bit more time to get active. A quick walk before breakfast or a workout before your evening meal will do you the world of good, physically and mentally. As the weather improves one of the easiest ways to increase your amount of physical activity is walking. Try adding a daily walk to your normal routine, whether that’s walking to work, the local shop or something more substantial like meeting up with your local rambling group.

Join a Class
If you’re stuck in a bit of a rut and need a bit of motivation you could try joining a class. There are lots of options and most will be tailored to your individual fitness level/ability. Being part of a group activity is fantastic for accountability and meeting new people. It also pushes you to try harder than you might if you are just plodding along on your own.
Classes can often be held outside when the weather permits, especially classes such as Bootcamp which involve a broad range of exercises.

Use it or Lose it!
This saying couldn’t be more true, if you want to live an active and full life you need to keep moving. Loss of muscle tone, flexibility and cardio health can have serious implications in later life so it’s important to stay active. Don’t be put off if you are less mobile or find exercise difficult, there are classes specifically aimed at less mobile individuals , such as Move it Or Lose It. These classes are made up of exercises that can be carried out seated or standing and aim to help with daily activities such as climbing the stairs.

Enjoy the longer days and (hopefully) milder weather and get active!
 
What exercises do you like to do when the weather warms up?