Spring outdoors for an energizing workout
By Gina Lombardi
Although we’ve moved our clocks ahead an hour and daylight stays with us a little longer, you still may find yourself doing the same old dark workouts inside the gym. So why not spring forward -- right out the door. Taking your workout outside this spring can recharge your batteries and give you a renewed enthusiasm for exercise.
But first, keep some pointers in mind. When transitioning your indoor workout outside, take things a little slowly at first. Aside from bumps in the road and slippery surfaces to watch out for, you don’t want to overdo it the first time you head for the hills or rough terrain. On the elliptical or treadmill machines in the gym you can manipulate the incline and resistance, but outdoors you are at the mercy of Mother Nature, so you may have to adjust your speed or intensity accordingly. Of course, when heading outside also be sure to bring lots of water and wear sun block and dress in moisture-wicking layers of clothing that you can peel off as you warm up.
And if you’re looking for an entirely new outdoor workout to kick off spring, here’s one of my favorites:
*Warm up. Start off with 5 to 10 minutes of walking, light jogging, jumping jacks or jumping rope. Then perform the following series of exercises all the way through and, if you’re up for more, repeat two to three times.
*Jack squats. Squat down while clapping your hands above your head. Bring your arms to the side when standing up. Repeat 20 times.
*Push-up combo. Do 10 push-ups with your hands on a wall or tree, then 10 with your hands on a bench, then 10 with your hands on the ground.
*Jumping jacks or jump rope. Go for 3 minutes.
*Walking lunges. Start standing tall and then lunge forward with your right leg until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Bring your left leg up as you stand tall and then repeat on the opposite leg. Do 15 reps with each leg.
*Planks. Rest your forearms on the ground and lift up on your toes so that your body is parallel to the ground. Elevate one leg up behind you for 30 seconds, then switch legs for another 30 seconds.
*Mountain climbers. Crouch down with your hands on the ground in front of you. Extend one leg back and place one knee in toward the chest, then quickly switch. Repeat for 20 reps each side.
*Standing side crunches. Stand with your hands clasped behind your head, elbows pointing out to the sides. Bring your left knee up and your left elbow down so that they meet at waist level. Return to the starting position and quickly repeat on the right side. Alternate for a total of 20 reps.
*Jogging, running, jumping jacks or jump rope. Go for 3 minutes.
*Sitting V-crunches. Sit on the edge of a bench and grab the back of the seat with both hands. Lean back at a 45-degree angle and extend your legs out in front of you. Then bring your knees into the chest for 20 reps. (No bench? Start by sitting on the ground and placing your hands behind your butt.)
*One-leg squats with forward reach. Balance on your left leg with your right leg slightly behind you. Reach forward with your left hand and touch the ground. Stand and repeat for 15 reps. Then switch sides for 15 reps.
*Power walking, jogging, running, jumping jacks or jump rope. Go for 3 minutes.
*Cool down. Walk slowly for 5 minutes. Then stretch your entire body. Place an emphasis on calm yoga-style breathing while you enjoy the scenery of the great outdoors.
