Wednesday marked the first day of spring, which signaled swimsuit season is only a few months away. The thought of warm weather can be exciting, but simultaneously induces a panic attack among those who may have packed on a few pounds to keep warm. It’s time to get off that futon and start burning those calories so you’re looking slim and feeling good for summer.
Take advantage of the gym: The Rec Center hasn’t gone anywhere. It still has plenty of ellipticals, treadmills and free weights to get you going. But if winter has left you in a workout rut, leave your comfort zone and try a group fitness class. Your options range from Yoga and Cardio Kickboxing, to Spin and Zumba. If you’re lacking motivation, grab a friend. Studies show you’re more likely to go through with a workout if somebody else is depending on you.
Hire some help: If a class isn’t giving you the fast results you need, consider hiring a personal trainer. Marquette offers certified personal trainers for only $12 per session. The best part? Aside from getting one-on-one instructions and a killer workout routine, your first session is free. Schedule an appointment now by emailing marquettepersonaltraining@gmail.com.
Run: It doesn’t take much. Just a simple pair of shoes and an iPod. A jog to the lake and back is around 3 miles, and has an added view of Milwaukee’s award-winning parks. If you want to keep it local, the Marquette Mile is a good area to do laps. Just make sure to jog in the evening when classes are out to avoid having to dodge a sea of students.
Challenge yourself: Feeling bold? With spring well on its way, there will be plenty of 5Ks around Milwaukee to sign up for. On April 20, UWM is hosting a Color Bash 5K. But beware: white clothing is a must because colors are thrown on runners during the race. For those who want to avoid the mess that comes with paint, Wisconsin’s biggest running club, Badgerland Striders, is hosting a half marathon on April 7. Even if you’re not a good runner, sign up for a race. It will give you incentive to train and keep in shape.
Now turn off the computer and start exercising!