(Carefully) Springing Into Action

Now that Spring has sprung, many of us are out the door and investing time and energy in our fitness and health. Living here in New England, the long, cold winters force many of us into semi-hibernation, and summertime exercise routines often give way to wintertime couch-surfing.

Back in early January, some of us made New Year's resolutions to begin exercising again after the excesses of the holidays, and while we may have gone to the gym ten times in January, perhaps we've not been going so frequently in February and March.

So, as the days (oh so slowly!) begin to warm, it can be exhilarating to get your body moving again. The bicycles come out of the garage, the sneakers are fetched from the closet, and we're thrilled to be outdoors with grass under our feet and the sunny sky above.

If you haven't been exercising for a few months---or perhaps for the entire Winter---it's a good idea to start slow. Many "weekend warriors" injure themselves unnecessarily when jump-starting their previous exercise routines, so be gentle as you get your body back up to speed.

Despite our deepest desires, we cannot make up for lost time and skipped exercise in a few short weeks. So if you are rebooting your exercise regimen and are inclined to go for a run, hop on your bike, or begin lifting weights again, remember that your muscles need to be warmed up for exercise, and even though your mind may be racing ahead to the finish line, your body will need some time to catch up. If you have a regular stretching routine with which you're familiar, reacquaint yourself with that routine and warm those muscles up well before taking off like a shot for a 5-mile run. If you're a biker, make sure your bike's brakes and other mechanical parts are up to snuff, and do your stretches before hitting the road.

Getting started gently in the early days of Spring can help your body become accustomed once again to the rigors of regular exercise. Meanwhile, if you're kicking yourself for slacking off in the colder months, perhaps you can begin planning now for a way to make your exercise routine more sustainable throughout the year.

Good luck as you begin your Spring training, and remember to take it slow as you begin anew! Please stay tuned for the launch of a weekly employee walking club, and please visit the Health Department table at the upcoming Employee Benefits Fairs on April 29th. See you there!

~Keith Carlson, RN, BSN