That's Fit

March is finally here, and as far as I'm concerned it's now spring! We had a big blizzard here in the Midwest last week, and are just beginning to dig out of about a foot of snow, but it still feels different outside. And even if you're a real stickler, the first official day of spring is just a couple of weeks away on March 21st.

For me the change of the seasons has a huge impact not only on when I workout, but on how motivated I am to do so. The longer days and warmer weather really add to the enjoyment and make it easier to get up and get moving. This article encourages us to use this time of year to renew our commitment to fitness, and do so in a smart and thoughtful way. No drastic measures, nothing so miserable you won't stick with it. Just figure out what you want, make yourself a map on how to get there, and follow it to the end. It's that simple (in theory, anyway!).
Start by getting some paper and brainstorming -- what is it that you really want, specifically? No vague concepts like "feel better," instead spell out exactly how many pounds you want to lose, where you want your cholesterol level to be, or what size dress you want to fit into, etc. Write it down.

Next, figure out how you want to get there. This means make yourself a road map for success. If exercise is involved (and it should be, for any kind of health goal!) then write down what time of day works best for you, how many minutes, and what kind of exercise you're going to do exactly. And for your diet, decide exactly how you're going to eat better, or cut calories. Think of new snack ideas, or write down what kinds of things you're not going to buy at the grocery store, address whatever particular weaknesses you have. And, perhaps most important of all, spend some time anticipating possible bumps in the road you may run into along the way (like weddings, vacations, etc) and decide ahead of time how you'll deal.

So take advantage of the season of new beginnings and "spring" into fitness!

And for more ideas with the "spring into fitness" theme in mind, check out our new weekly podcast!