Spring is here! The flower’s are in bloom. Leaves are starting to sprout. The weather is…. warmer?

As this new season approached, how’s your health coming along?

Are you still motivated by your ancient New Year’s resolution?

If you’re like the average person, you gave up on your New Year’s Resolution before the end of January.

If you’re one of those who gave up, I’m sorry to remind you about that failure to commit.

But have no fear, because spring is here!

Let me tell you some ways to use spring to get you motivated to keep (or get back) on track with your desire to turn heads this summer!

Inside Activities

Closet Cleaning

I like to think of myself as an organized person until the reality of my closet hits me. I claim to have a system but I’ll admit …it can get messy!

Suits, slacks, jeans and a pair of old t-shirts with holes in them. What’s a guy to do?

I got a new solution for you. When going through the task of putting your winter clothes away and getting out your warmer weather clothes, try them on.

Most of these clothes you had are a couple years old. Now’s a chance to see if you’re physically the same person you use to be.

Visual seeing yourself in clothes is an awesome motivation tool! While trying on the clothes, ask yourself:

• How tight/loose is this?
• Where is it tight/loose?
• Is that muscle or fat that’s preventing me from zipping these pants?
• Do I have to buy a new belt?

If you plan on losing weight in these warmer months, you should try on some of your winter shirts, sweaters and pants.

While wearing the clothes simply take a picture of yourself in them. When the colder months come, you can try those clothes back on and see how they fit.

If weight loss is your goal and they become looser, then you my friend made progress!

House Cleaning

When was the last time you cleaned your oven?

How about vacuuming all the stairs in your house?

Bathtub and shower needs a scrubbing?

Does your walls have any dirt stains on them?

These simple “chores” are a great way to sneak in some exercise. Not only will your house become cleaner, but also you’ll get fitter in the process.

Don’t underestimate the amount of calories you burn doing household cleaning!

Outside Activities

Most people are active during the spring compared to the colder months. Use this to your advantage!

Stop thinking that the gym is the only way to get a good workout. It’s time to use your own two feet and body to have some fun.

Neighborhood Walks

While being a hibernating bear during the winter months, did you notice that new stop sign in your neighborhood?

Did you know that a house two doors down was for sale?

Did you see that that family two blocks away brand new car?

Go out and explore your neighborhood by getting a good 30+ minute walk. It will benefit your cardiovascular system but also just allow you to take in the sights, smells, and changes in your neighborhood.

In today’s world we tend to not know anything about our own neighborhoods anymore. Don’t be one of ”those” people anymore! Take a walk!

Jogging

If you’re a person that can handle high impact lower joint exercises, go for it!

If not, walking is absolutely fine! I’m personally a bigger fan of walking, but I respect jogging if that’s what you want to do.

Jogging is one of the simplest forms of cardiovascular exercises on this planet. All you need is some good shoes and a study pace.

Bicycling

Spring’s the perfect time to get on a bike. Even if you don’t own one, you can rent a bicycle for a few hours of enjoyment.

Find a trail or just go through your neighborhood. Have fun! Be a kid again!

You don’t have to go hardcore, just have fun with it! Nothing beat’s riding a bike in the real world!

Hiking

I have only been hiking a handful of times. I use to think this was something you could only do if you were a super outdoorsy person.

I’m defiantly not a person who goes camping. But I respect the idea of hiking. It’s a simple activity that takes you out of your “normal” comfort zone and exposes you to nature.

The hike doesn’t have to be strenuous, just something simple. Who knows, maybe you’ll start to enjoy it.

I know the few times I’ve been, I actually enjoyed it. It’s definitely on my to do list for this spring season.

Yard Work

If you live in a house with a yard, extend your clean up to that outside. Cutting grass is an effective way to burn some fat.

With spring in the air, maybe it’s time to upgrade your flower garden. If you are serious about eating healthy, why not plant your own vegetable and herb garden.

Again, these simple tasks are a great way to get exercise in while also relaxing from your hard week of work!

Community Events

Now this may not be necessary physical exercise but I do think it’s important to know more about where you live. In today’s society we tend to spend more time with our head down then paying attention to our own community.

Get you head up! Look around and know what’s going on! Do you know your neighbors?

If not, maybe it’s time to say hi to them whenever you see them. This insures that you know who they are and they know you.

I remember as a kid, knowing the names and faces of everyone in my neighborhood. If something was to ever happen to me as a kid, there were several adults who had a clue about what I looked like.

I just don’t see that same connection anymore. Maybe it’s the neighborhoods I’ve lived at. If you’re connected in your neighborhood consider yourself lucky!

By knowing your neighbors, maybe they could join you on your walks? Or maybe you will find a new workout buddy with the same goals as you. You will never know unless you connect.

Well there you have some great ways to use spring to motivate your health and fitness.