5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Workout Routine

Okay, let’s be honest. Without winter, the spring would not be as pleasant. (Though I do miss the convenience of getting away with throwing on an oversize sweatshirt almost every day!) The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and it’s officially time to spring clean your workout routine.  Use these five tips to get you started.

1. Find a Workout Buddy 

Hitting the gym or trying out a boutique studio is more fun with a buddy, especially if you know they are counting on you to be there.  Grab a friend or neighbor, or pair up with someone new at your gym to help keep you accountable. Plus, if you’re feeling intimidated to try a new class, you can feel comforted knowing there’s someone who will laugh along with you while you both try to figure it out. 

For additional benefits of a workout buddy, check out our previous post here. 

2. Set Realistic Goals 

This one has always been tough for me. I see the word “goal,” and I write something completely obnoxious down and then scratch my head, wondering how I will get there. Over time, I’ve learned that setting smaller, easily attainable goals is more realistic, especially when working out. 

According to a goal-setting study out of Dominican University in California, you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. Once a month, try writing down 1–2 things you may want to accomplish that month, like trying a new workout, stretching consistently, or drinking a certain amount of water daily.  Remember to be specific with goal setting.  If you need help, check out our previous article on making smart goals.  

Pro Tip: Try writing your goals in your calendar. I don’t know about you, but I will make it happen if something is on my calendar!

3. Share Your Goals on Social Media 

To make myself clear, I am not promoting workout selfies at the gym! Instead, try sharing your goals with your close friends/family in your IG story—the more people who know what your goals are, the more likely you are to hold yourself accountable and accomplish them!  If you prefer not to share, you can still use your social media to help.  Try finding workout challenges, such as completing a push-up or plank challenge or nominating a friend to complete one, too,  as these are additional fun ways to keep you accountable.  Find me on IG @burnnbyjenn, and we can challenge each other! 

4. Treat Yourself to New Gear 

Don’t forget to Spring clean your workout clothes!  I don’t know about you, but a new outfit helps me feel more motivated and confident.  If anything, make sure what you are wearing fits correctly and comfortably – wrong shoes=blisters, old sports bra=tugging, ill-fitting shorts=hello chaffed thighs. Ouch!  

Focus on these two areas when purchasing new clothing:

1. Safety: Get some bright reflective gear for exercising outside and keep the darker shades for the gym. No matter what time of day, you should aim to be as visible as possible to drivers and bikers. A bright top will add a little safety to your outdoor activity and help reflect the sun’s rays away from your body. 
2. Fabrics: Loose clothing and breathable fabrics are incredibly important for warmer days. Look for sweat-wicking fabrics as opposed to cotton. Breathable fabrics help wick moisture away to keep your body cool so you don’t get overheated. (Plus, they won’t promote bacteria growth, which means no more smelly clothes!) Bonus—The right clothing helps to promote healthy blood flow while exercising and reduces the buildup of lactic acid (which means less fatigue and stiffness).

Choosing workout gear that provides you comfort in terms of fabric and style makes a world of difference. You’ll feel confident in what you’re wearing, which allows you to direct your full attention to your workout instead of feeling self-conscious. Plus, it’s less likely to cause discomfort that negatively impacts your performance.

Check out these amazing sustainable clothing brands to help you look good and feel good. Full disclosure, I have a peach Patagonia tank from 2006 still in the rotation! 

Another piece of gear to invest in is new headphones!  Try making a new playlist while you’re at it. Some fresh tunes may inspire you to work out if you’re still feeling the winter blues. Feel free to steal some from one of my favorite Spotify playlists.

5. Consider a Personal Trainer 

Hi! My name’s Jenn. Have we met? 😉 A personal trainer can help you set goals and get motivated. Whether you meet in person, over face time, or via phone calls, a personal trainer can help keep you on track and focused. How often can you get 1:1 attention with someone who will give you an individualized plan that will work for you, your schedule, and your good intentions? 

Another perk, trainers will typically have a network of contacts at their disposal to share with you too. (e.g., nutritionists, massage therapists, physical therapists, etc.). Knowing someone is coaching you and rooting for you every step of the way can also help with your mental health. Imagine a depression treatment that soothes your mind and emotions, protects your heart, zaps away excess weight without side effects, and doesn’t come in a pill bottle. Enter stage right. . .aerobic exercise! (As if you didn’t see that coming). One study found that 30 minutes of exercise 3–5 times a week cut depression symptoms nearly in half, with or without a personal trainer.  Another study found that when regular exercise stopped, depressive symptoms reappeared.  There are many additional studies that also showed how mental health improves with regular physical activity.

Hiring a personal trainer may seem like a luxury if you are on a tight budget, but if you find yourself needing extra support when it comes to exercise, a trainer can make a great investment (and could help decrease healthcare costs as well).

Exercise Disclaimer: Before starting any new workout regimen, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath at any time while exercising, you should stop immediately. The workout below is merely a suggestion and should be adjusted to fit your individual needs and goals. 

The Bottom Line

Don’t forget physical activity counts just as much as physical fitness. Raking leaves, vacuuming the house, mowing the lawn, or parking at the far end of the Target parking lot can be ways to begin spring cleaning your wellness routine. Overall, the most important thing to help you reach your exercise goals is to choose a workout that you’ll actually enjoy doing. 

At the end of the day, don’t beat yourself up.  Getting back into a workout routine takes time, but we know you can do it.