20 Ways to Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine

It's that time of year again , the melting of the snow, the sun shine , and thick sweaters in the closet are about to go into storage. This is the perfect time to boost your motivation by breaking your boring gym routine and embracing the great outdoors. Kick off spring with a good start by getting the right speed, 

redesigning your routine, and do some " spring cleaning " in your pantry. Here are 20 simple tips to help you get started.

 20 Ways to Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine

Spring Training Fitness Tip: Book a physical
 Believe it or not , only about 20 percent of Americans get an annual check-up . Be one of them ! While you might look and feel great ( or really hate needles) , it is important to keep an eye on things like blood pressure , cholesterol and vitamin deficiencies before designing your training program.
Spring Training Fitness Tip : Set a schedule ... but be realisticIf you have not worked on a lot this winter , do not write that you do cardio exercises outdoors for 30 minutes a day, six days a week. You will not find yourself frustrated and you 'll be more likely to abandon your workout program. Post your exercise plan in places you watch frequently as the calendar application on your smartphone or on your desk at work.
Spring Training Fitness Tip : Team UpYou 're more likely to stick to your plan if you have a partner in crime . Choose someone who has similar goals is time is your own . Your best bet : meet at the same time , four days a week , either before work or just before dinner .
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Spring Training Fitness Tip: buy new running shoesIf you've been hitting the gym ( and treadmill ) all winter , chances are, you're due for a new pair . Most running shoes last somewhere between 300 and 400 miles , but if you use them for walking or other parts of your gym routine , and tears that are numbers, too . Go to a specialty running store to get fitted , and to watch your step / pronation to find the best shoe for you.
Spring Training Fitness Tip: Clean out your pantryYou still have that tin of popcorn in holiday or a box of chocolates on Valentine's Day ? Get rid of them. And while you 're there , take other foods with low nutritional value such as chips, pretzels, sugary cereals , white bread , and yes , even the 100 calorie snacks ( even cookie cookie , even if you mash it with flat and drop five in a bag) .
Spring Training Fitness Tip: Protect your skinNow that it's warming up, you head outside again . This means more sunlight ( vitamin D, which is a good thing), but it also means that your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays. Rub lotion sealed with at least an SPF of 15 or higher on all exposed areas of your body. Do not forget the easy to miss areas like behind the ears , neck and crease near your armpits .