50+ Lifestyles

Spring Time Exercise Options

By Logan Anderson, BA, CPT, CIFT
Owner of All Strong Fitness LLC

Spring is approaching, and for those of us in the Midwest, it signals a time to emerge from our winter hibernation indoors. Along with enjoying the milder weather, it’s an opportunity to shake off the stiffness that has settled into our joints during the colder months. While walking is a popular choice for outdoor activity, there’s a plethora of alternatives worth exploring. Let’s delve into some ideas!

Firstly, consider revisiting sports you enjoyed in the past. Whether in college, high school, or even your childhood, reconnecting with these activities not only evokes nostalgia, but also presents mental and physical challenges. Adjustments may be necessary due to changes in your body over time, but don’t be discouraged. Even simplified versions of these sports can provide ample enjoyment and exercise. For someone who used to play tackle football, obviously that might be out of the cards. Consider finding a smaller, softer football that can be thrown easier if you wanted to try to play “catch” with a friend again.

Beyond traditional sports, there are numerous outdoor activities to consider, some of which can be done solo or with others. Bicycling, outdoor swimming, hiking, stair climbing, rollerblading, tennis, pickleball, and park workouts are just a few examples. If you are curious what a park workout is, go to YouTube and type in “park workouts.” You might have to sift them for senior versions of the workout or get creative based off your ability levels. Lastly, consider adding weight to your backpack during walks can also boost the intensity if you’re seeking a more challenging workout. If you’ve ever lost weight, a fun thing to do can be to put in the weight that you lost into the backpack. If you’ve lost ten pounds, add ten pounds in a pack and go out for a long walk. You’ll be proud of yourself that you lost that weight and also have gotten in a great workout in addition to it.

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. The key is to be open to the myriad options available to stay active and fit this spring. A visit to a sporting goods store or a browse through the outdoor section of a retailer can be both enjoyable and inspiring, sparking ideas for new activities to try. There are SO many fun ways to move this spring. Now it’s your turn to find out which one works for you!

Logan Anderson is the owner of All Strong Fitness LLC. For more information, please visit allstrongfitness.org.