7 Ways to Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine

The snow has melted, the sun is shining, and the overwhelming urge to wash, scrub, and air out all the things has sprung forth. (No, just us? Perhaps our Midwestern roots are showing.) Even if you aren’t planning to scour every inch of your bathroom grout with a toothbrush, now’s the perfect time to spring clean your fitness routine. Stylist Kara presents her top tips for cleaning up your act so you can tackle your biggest fitness goals this season.

@allierick

1. Get outside.

Now that snow is (mostly) out of the forecast here in the Midwest, I’m headed outdoors to get some fresh air and vitamin D back in my life. The mood boost I get from taking my workout outside this time of year is incredible— a little sunshine makes all the difference. If you’re not into running or biking, it can be as simple as taking a long walk to explore a new neighborhood or park in your city.

2. Get organized.

Spring clean your closet and get rid of the gear you never wear. If you have to dig deep to find something you’re motivated to work out in, you may be less likely to get moving in the first place. Also, it’s time to ditch the all-black-everything. Pull out those prints and vibrant shades to inject fresh energy into your workout.

@style_hour

3. Team up.

Social butterflies, in particular, may need a workout partner or group setting to stay engaged. There’s a strong chance you have a like-minded friend or two who are looking to have a reason to get outside or recommit to their fitness goals. Set a standing weekly date to sweat together so you’re less inclined to skip a workout. Not only will you help hold each other accountable, you’ll get a feel-good boost from spending time connecting.

4. Try something new.

If you’re getting bored with your current fitness routine, or aren’t seeing results, it’s time for a new challenge. Avid yogi? Try an outdoor boot camp. Distance runner? Add TRX classes for strength and stability. If the thought of stepping that far outside of your comfort zone makes you break out in a cold sweat, try revisiting a blast from the past. I loved swimming as a kid, so I’m adding laps back to my workout rotation.

@mycurlyadventures_

5. Update your workout wardrobe.

If you’re ready for some strategic self-care spending, especially if all you own is the previously mentioned head-to-toe black or a pile of cotton tees, treat yourself to new activewear with an Active Edit. I’m a sucker for cute gym clothes and am always more inclined to sneak in an early-morning workout when I’m excited about what I’m wearing. My go-to is usually a fun matching leggings and sports bra set topped with a bright tank or graphic tee. Plus, new workouts may require gear that’s better equipped for the task. The sports bras you wear for yoga may not offer the support you need for running.

@mrndapnda

6. Tune in.

For me, great music is everything when it comes to keeping my energy up throughout a workout. Discovering the music-fueled YouTube channel, Blogilates, was a game-changer for me. Founder and certified fitness instructor, Cassey Ho, has fused the best of pilates with upbeat tunes you actually want to groove to, all with a big dose of body-positivity. Find a group fitness class with music that gets you going, or create an inspiring new playlist for your next cardio session.

7. Stick with what works.

This might seem contradictory, but if your regular fitness routine isn’t broken, you don’t need to fix it. While I’m looking forward to swimming in the morning, I’m still as obsessed with Blogilates as the day I discovered it. The key is to find an effective workout you love that’s constantly evolving, pushing you to add speed, weight, intensity, distance, or varied movements. Just be sure to change one element at a time to avoid injuries or burnout.