Need a Push to Get Off the Couch? Harness Spring Fever and Get Moving
Hit the gym
If you don’t have a membership, consider signing up for one. If you do, take advantage of the services. Whether it’s been a few months or a few decades since you last exercised, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor first, then a trainer to get a sense of your current fitness level. New classes are often introduced at the start of the season, so you may find appealing exercise options that weren’t there the last time you visited. Get a gym discount through HAP Member Discounts.Or ditch the gym!
The weather’s warmer and the days are longer—why not get out of the fluorescent light and into the sunlight? Walking, biking and running all bring special benefits. Research shows that outdoor workouts tend to be more strenuous than indoor pursuits. For example, cyclists expend more energy on bike paths than on a stationary bike, and runners move their bodies differently on pavement than a treadmill. Even if you’re just going for a long stroll, being outdoors provides an extra boost to your mental well-being.Invest in new workout gear
Ever notice how a new workout outfit actually makes you feel like jumping up and down? It’s not just you. This phenomenon applies in lots of contexts—getting dressed for work helps set a professional mood, and going black tie can make an evening out more special. Researchers even have a name for the feeling: enclothed cognition. They explain that the clothes we wear really do influence our psychological processes. So go ahead, splurge on some new exercise gear—it’s for your well-being!Try something new
Never played racquetball? Give it a whirl. Curious about Pilates? Sign up for a session. Spring is a perfect time to indulge in new things, so play the field and try several activities; then circle back to the ones that put a little extra bounce in your step.Find a workout buddy
Some of us love the quiet meditation of a solitary run. But if you tend to lose interest faster than you can say “five-minute mile,” reach out to a pal and create a tandem workout schedule. Exercise is more fun when you have someone to chat with—and harder to back out of when you know you’ll be disappointing your partner. Plus, you don’t have to make a major commitment. One study found that just getting a check-in phone call every couple of weeks helped keep exercisers on task.Embrace technology
Do you get a charge out of gadgets? There are dozens of smartphone apps, digital trackers and electronic accessories designed to get (and keep) you moving. Consider Charity Miles, which turns your workout into a fundraiser for a nonprofit of your choice. Or try Pact, which promises a little cash back when you make good on your gym attendance goals. If all you need is a musical beat, you’ll love RockMyRun, which sets your favorite music to whatever pace you find most comfortable. Or log on to HAP’s iStrive for Better Health. It's a personalized digital wellness manager with free tools and programs, powered by WebMD®Health Services. And it’s compatible with more than 140 fitness trackers to sync your steps. Log in to hap.org and click on “iStrive for Better Health” to get started.
Categories: Get Moving