How to Stay in Spring Training Shape all Winter Long
During the Fall/Winter preparation for spring activities, it is important to try to build endurance and strength simultaneously. Since the climate may not be conducive for the daily runs of the spring and summer, you must find a new way to gain cardiovascular endurance.
A fun way is circuit training in the weight room. Bunch exercises together, and rotate from one exercise to the next with a maximum of 30 seconds in between. Rest for only 2 minutes when all exercises are complete, then repeat the circuit. If treadmills and elliptical machines aren’t your cup of tea, try a cycling class or join an indoor boot camp.
You should also take this time to really elongate the muscles, and gain flexibility for those spring activities. Incorporate yoga into your routine, or add a day of yoga. This is a great way to gain core strength, burn fat, and gain essential flexibility. Be sure to bring dry clothes to change into after the gym as you head out into the cold. Illness, is the quickest way to interrupt your routine.
If you prefer exercising outside, layer up with some Under Armour HeatGear. Running in cold weather causes your body to have to work harder to stay warm by increasing your heart rate. However, extended time outside can lead to sickness. So, be mindful. It is important to keep the blood flowing and heart pumping during the Fall/Winter months. Statistically, these are the time the most weight is gained. Obviously, do to lessened activity and those huge holiday dinners. So get out, and get a leg up on that spring rush!
