The best workout regimens are the ones you can do consistently. But sometimes the best way to stay consistent is to mix things up.
That might mean varying your current weight lifting routine for a few months, or focusing on a muscle group you’ve never thought about before. Or better yet: You could try a totally new form of exercise.
Here is some of our favorite fitness advice from so far this year to inspire you to try something new. Go ahead, shake things up a little.
Learn to Love Running (Again)
Going for a run is an efficient and effective way to get a cardio workout. But it’s easy to come up with reasons to take a break from running, especially if it’s cold or wet outside.
If you’ve fallen out of your running habit and want to get back into it now that the weather is nicer, here are some tips to help you get back on track.
Take Your Exercise Outside
Some days, the weather is just too nice for the gym. And you might be surprised by what you can do with just a bench and a patch of grass in the park.
This simple workout can be done as a full-body, 40-minute strength workout, or you can speed it up to add some cardio. If you have access to monkey bars, you can use them for an extra challenge.
Walk With Intention …
Tai chi is more than just a way to get moving; it can also be an opportunity to slow down and find balance. Tai chi walking — a form of slow, meditative movement — can be one of the best ways to get started with the practice.
To do it, you have to learn how to move in a more intentional, controlled way. Take a deep breath and give it a try.
… or Bust a Move
If you’re in the mood for a livelier workout, dancing is a fantastic way to get moving. If you can incorporate a few traditional exercises into it, so much the better. Squats and jumping jacks are more fun with a beat, and there are plenty of ways to get creative and make it your own.
Have a Seat
What if you could be active without leaving your seat? Welcome to the world of chair yoga. If you have limited mobility or balance concerns, you can still get a workout in. Even if you don’t, experimenting with poses while seated can give you new insights into how you move.
This short routine will show you how to use your chair as an exercise tool.
Step Up Your Workout
How many stairs do you need for a decent workout? It turns out one can be enough.
By using a box, stair or even a curb, you can make many classic exercises, like push-ups, planks and glute bridges, easier or harder. You can also use a step to incorporate more explosive movements, like jumping. This simple routine is a great place to start.
Try Dancing on Ice
What’s something you always wanted to learn, but were too afraid to try? How about getting out of the summer heat and onto the ice?
Fitness experts say ice skating can be a great way to build strength, stamina and balance. Plus, as the writer Holly Burns discovered, falling isn’t all that bad. Your first spin can make it all worthwhile.
Erik Vance is a staff editor for The Times’s Well desk, where he focuses on coverage of fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
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