Spring-Clean your Fitness Routine


by Vikki Scovell - Date: 2007-04-27 - Word Count: 773 Share This!

I am hoping that you are as full of the joys of spring as I am. There is nothing like the spring time; the abundance of hedgerow flowers, the beauty of the bluebell wood, the creamy froth of the cow-parsley in the lanes, the birdsong and the sunshine. After the muted beauty of the winter landscape, the piercing greenness of the new leaves is enough to take your breath away. There is no excuse; you simply must get out in the fresh air at this time of year; walking, cycling, running, riding or simply ambling.

And don't think that the rampant excesses of spring are confined to the countryside; urban dwellers will be surrounded by hidden places to explore within the city or town; cycle paths, tow-paths, walks and rides around docks, parks, nature reserves or even the local allotments.

You will discover a wealth of interesting places bursting with birdsong and wild life just a short distance from where you live; for some ideas and inspiration visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/getinvolved/

You may choose to venture further afield and tackle a longer walk; there are many footpaths throughout the countryside ranging in length and gradient, so that you can pick one which challenges you, or build yourself up slowly. Take a look at the ramblers Association website which lists challenging and easy walks (the website also lists local walking groups and holidays) http://www.ramblers.org.uk or http://www.go4awalk.com/walks/

Once again, the urbanites will not miss-out, as there is a collection of walks through towns and cities: http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/urbanwalks.html (For walks in the US and Canada try http://walking.about.com/od/trails/Walking_Trails_and_Destinations.htm or http://www.trails.com/activities.asp?area=14949 )

According to the cycle network Sustrans 75% of people in the UK live within 2 miles of a National Cycle Route, so you can make the most of the improved weather and get on your bike. Invite family and friends and meet at a pub or stop for a picnic. You can find lots of information or buy cycle maps at http://www.sustrans.org.uk for further free cycle routes try http://www.cycle-routes.org/ncn.htm

If you have children you can still encourage them to walk several miles by inviting other families with kids to join you; you will find that they walk faster, further and with less whining when their friends are around and there is an orange juice at the pub afterwards. Babies and toddlers can be transported in backpacks and slings, and there is a huge range of child seats, trailers and tow along bikes for all ages so that the whole family can get out cycling. If a pleasant cycle is not exciting enough for you, hose down your mountain bike and get muddy http://mbruk.co.uk/ If you want a new challenge, and are not scared of horses (or very tight trousers), why not try horse riding or pony trekking; another great way of experiencing the countryside. And if that simply is not your cup of tea, you can still walk the bridleways http://www.bridleways.co.uk/ (For the US and Canada, also try http://www.cyclecanada.com/ http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/ for walking, running cycling and riding trails visit http://www.trails.com/trails.asp )

Now is a perfect time to spring-clean your lifestyle and make it more healthy; take a look for times when you can get out and about, see if it could be possible to cycle or walk to work even if it isn't every day (I have saved hundreds of pounds in motoring and parking costs over the last ten months, and am more likely to get somewhere on time). Dust off your bikes, shake the spiders out of you walking boots, and plan where you are going to go, who you are going to invite, and put it in your diary. Take 5 minutes today to Google local information sites such as your local council website, and you will come up with a wealth of free information on cycle ways, bridle paths, local walks, maps, and local schemes to encourage you to get out and about. This Spring you can take some small steps to change your lifestyle in a big way; you simply cannot stay gloomy after a walk drenched in sunshine and birdsong, you cannot stay stressed if you take your working lunch in a peaceful old churchyard tucked among the office blocks, you cannot have bored kids if you get out on safe cycle ways for a family ride. You do not need an expensive gym membership when there is a world of opportunity on your doorstep; the great outdoors is yours to use to your advantage, and it costs nothing. Getting outside will help you shape up, stay active, burn calories, release stress, stay younger, spend time with family and friends and become happier. Go on then, what are you waiting for?


Related Tags: fitness, cycling, walking, running, weight-loss, fat-loss, riding, fitness routine, staying active

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser, GP Referred Trainer and runs successful Community and Corporate Exercise classes and events. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters. Vikki believes passionately that everyone can make small changes to their lifestyle to ensure that they live happier, longer and healthier lives. She lives in Bristol in the U.K. with her partner Jeremy and two young children Apple and Honey. For enquiries for nutritional advice, personal training, corporate wellness and general enquiries visit http://www.getfitter.net

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