Though it may be hard to believe after the terribly bitter and frigid winter, spring is on its way, bringing with it warm temperatures, sunny skies, longer daylight hours and a renewed commitment to fitness goals.
Whether you’ve been diligent about finding time each week to get in your session on your home workout equipment or those fitness treadmill workouts have fallen by the wayside, now is the time to get back in the saddle (of your stationary bike, of course).
The impending arrival of spring is a great time to reassess your fitness goals and create a new workout plan now that sweater weather is over and soon it’ll be time to pull out those shorts and sleeveless tops.
You’ll want to consider both a cardio and strength plan in order to get yourself back in top shape and ready to show off strong biceps and gorgeous gams.
Cardio workout
Creating an interval plan is the best way to maximize your cardio workout in a time-efficient manner, no matter if you prefer the elliptical machine or home exercise bike. Start with an easy warm up with little resistance for about five minutes, then alternate between high intensity and lower intensity bouts for between 30 and 60 minutes. Whether you’re switching between running and walking, standing and sitting or higher and lower resistance levels, intervals will definitely have you working up a sweat and burning tons of calories.
Weight training workout
The strength section of your new fitness plan can be time-efficient as well. Setting up a circuit workout using your body weight and a pair of dumbbells is an excellent method for toning and firming your whole body. Try these exercises from Shape magazine in conjunction with your cardio and you’ll be ready to come out from hiding beneath that sweater in no time. Do each exercise one time through for 10 to 12 reps and repeat the whole list three times:
Lunge with bicep curl:
Plank walk-out:
Squat with opposite arm raise:
Pli​é squat side crunch:
Rotating tricep kickback: