Spring is just around the corner, the daffodils are already coming up, and some of us are still eating cookies at midnight (hangs head in shame). Village Green asked a few local fitness pros for their top tips when considering putting the cookies down and preparing for spring fitness.
“You don’t have to be a maniac to be successful in reaching your goals,” say Bethany Pettigrew and Holly Benge of Studio 509. “Even exercising a couple of times a week can make a huge difference in your overall fitness, strength, and flexibility. Try to incorporate both strength training and cardio into your routine every week.”
They like TRX for strength training, because you will feel it working very quickly to build muscle. Plus, they say, TRX exercises emphasize postural alignment and flexibility, which are both important to maintain for your general fitness level. Adding in strength training and a brisk walk a few times a week will go a long way to increasing your energy level and boosting your metabolism.
Stuck at work with no time to run/walk/bike? Here’s a simple at-work stretch to release tension. “Lift your shoulders up to your ears and take a big inhale. Hold for 2 seconds and then release everything with a big exhale out your mouth,” suggests Pettigrew.
Tried that? Wondering what’s next?
Get a head start and work up to training for summer fitness. Pettigrew and Benge want you to feel comfortable in your skin, so you don’t glance at the calendar, see it’s nearly May, and melt down worrying that you can’t wear shorts. Their prescription for making spring headway? “Have fun! You should choose exercise that makes you feel good. Whether it’s a fitness/dance class, TRX, yoga or walking outside, participate in activities that you enjoy. Release those endorphins, and you’ll want to continue. The more consistent you are, the better you’ll feel inside and out.”
Can’t even squeeze in a walk or fitness class? Clean your house and shake your booty (yes, I said it). “Crank up the music while you’re doing household chores, like folding laundry or doing the dishes,” says Pettigrew. “Move to the music and you’ll be burning calories without even realizing it.” Adds Benge, “Just make sure to pick music you can’t help moving to. For me, it’s anything James Brown.” This reporter is about to throw on some Pitbull and club-Merengue towards clearing out the kitchen sink at midnight. Wish me luck.
Want to try a class with Holly or Bethany? Visit https://studio509fitness.com and move your way towards a healthy body you can feel great about.
