Finally we’ve made it to March! The month where we can say goodbye to the long, cold Chicago winter (hopefully) and embrace the inevitable sunshine and warmer temperatures. March also means that spring break is right around the corner, and our ambitions of keeping up with a diet plan are all the way back in the frozen tundra of winter. That being said, there is still time to shed a couple of unwanted pounds and fit into that swimsuit for spring break! Here are some tips and outdoor activities you can do to help reach your goals before swimsuit season.
Outdoor Activities
1. Run! - It’s as simple as that. The weather is finally cooperating enough to allow us to go outside without wearing 4 different layers of clothing. Taking a short run can help boost your cardiovascular stamina, as well as speed up your metabolism to allow for a quick loss of pounds. Even if you do not feel comfortable taking a run, just keep it simple and go for a walk. After a long winter inside, there is nothing better than lacing up those shoes and getting some fresh air.
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2. Ride a Bike – Biking is a great way to shake off those winter blues and get the blood pumping! Besides the limitless health benefits that biking has on the body, it is a great way to get around town! Next time you have a short commute somewhere, leave the car parked at home and help yourself by taking your bike. It is proven that getting in some extra cardio by biking will benefit your heart, lungs, and all the muscles of your lower body. I challenge you to save some money on gas and hit the bike trails!
3. Play With Your Kids – Can’t forget about the little ones! Take your kids to a park, or even just play with them in your backyard. It’s a great way to get them moving after a long winter indoors, and as a result you’ll get yourself moving as well. Nothing better than enjoying some quality time with family while getting back into shape as well.
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Health Tips
1. Watch Your Diet – Enough of those quick stops at some greasy fast food restaurant, it’s time to take control of your diet. Go to the store and stock up on fruits, vegetables, and healthy sources of protein to help you eat better and feel better. A change in diet is something that can be very beneficial for you, though it takes discipline and mental fortitude. If you can resist those fast food grease traps and stick to a strict diet plan, I personally guarantee you will look and feel a lot better.
2. Drink Water – Did you know the human body is 72% water? Nothing in the world is better for you then getting 3-4 liters of water in your body a day. Proper hydration has shown to have vast health benefits on the body, including speeding up your metabolism, weight loss, and increased kidney function. Next time you’re deciding between a sugary soda or water, make the right choice.
3. Do Yoga – Yoga is one the most proven ways to help you quickly drop a pound or two and help you regain control over your health. The health benefits are amazing, ranging from losing weight, helping with depression, and even lowering blood pressure! It’s an easy practice to start and a hard habit to shake once you’ve got the basics down. Give it a try!
Hopefully this entry will help you if you’re trying to pull off a last second rush to get fit for spring break! Regardless, it’s important to be healthy and take care of yourself, even when the average temperature is around 10 degrees. This is why having health insurance is an absolute must in today’s world. With President Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) physicals are free of charge, so go get yourself checked out today!
