Ahhh! There's a glimmer of warmer weather coming and don't we all want to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine? I know I do.

 

The conditioning we've been doing in the club all winter has been preparing us for our various warm weather activities. Now that we're doing the activities outside, (and you should be) you need to realize that they are not a replacement for our workouts.

 

A well planned workout is balanced, left to right, top to bottom, takes your joints through full ranges of motions, moves in multiple directions, and can prepare you for many different activities.

 

Let's look at some of the things that you may think can replace your in-club workout. Many times I hear that people stop lifting with their legs because they get enough leg work biking or running. Well, first it's endurance, not strength work. They are one direction only and/or don't take the joints through a full range of motion.

 

What about playing tennis? Good multi-directional movement, speed, and agility requirement. Still, it's not a balanced full range of motion work and it's predominately one side focused which can lead to strength and flexibilitiy imbalances.

 

So what do you do if you want to spend more time in the great outdoors? Streamline your workout schedule. Maybe come in only 2x per week for a shorter amount of time. Have a Personal Trainer put together a personalized express exercise program for you.

 

Go out and enjoy this warmer weather. Just remember to fit in your exercise essentials at least twice a week.