With temperatures warming up, we’re all starting to get the itch to be outside, enjoy the nice weather, and get active and in shape for summer.
But while we have good intentions, things can get in the way of our workouts, whether it’s a busy schedule, late workdays, or the occasional happy hour. Luckily, with the right motivation, there are many ways to squeeze in a workout just about any day of the week.
Below are five of our favorite ways to get active and stay fit and are easy enough to work into anyone’s busy schedule. The most important thing to remember about your workout is to make it is something you enjoy and look forward to—otherwise you’ll come up with any reason to avoid it.
Workout Meetings
It’s become more and more common here in New York to have a business meeting at SoulCycle or join a friend for a midweek hot yoga session instead of happy hour.
As more people become invested in their health and wellness but have less and less time to work out, people are starting to realize they can consolidate their time. If you’re one of those whose company has walking treadmill desks at work—even better!
Join a Fun Run
Every year it seems more and more fun runs and competitions are popping up. Whether you are a beginner runner or an expert triathlete, looking for some serious competition or just to have some fun, there is literally something for everyone.
A few favorites include The Color Run, the original 5-kilometer-paint race also known as “the happiest race on earth”; the Zombie Run where you get chased by zombies; and the Tough-Mudder, an intense obstacle race. The best place to start to find a race near your is RoadRaceRunner.com or NYRR.org
Yoga in the Park
What better a way to spend a beautiful summer day than doing yoga in the park? Just in New York City alone there are tons of outdoor classes to join. Bryant Park, for example, offers free yoga classes every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m. starting May 20.
Central Park also offers regular yoga classes for $15 apiece on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Many towns across the country hold free yoga sessions in local parks during the summer months. It takes just a bit of research to find one closest to you.
Make Your Commute Active
The great thing about living in a city is you never have to get in a car if you don’t want to, and it’s super easy to commute to work by biking or walking—both eco-friendly options! If you’re a New Yorker, you can rent a Citi Bike for a small cost ($9.95 for 24 hours, $25 for 7 days, or just $95 for the year).
If you’re in Los Angeles, you can join L.A. Bike Trains where you can ride to work in groups run by Conductors (experienced urban cyclists) for free! Each bike train is different, ranging from a dance party to discovering local plant life, all on your commute to work.
Download an App
The iPhone is the one accessory none of us leave home without anymore. Use it to download fitness apps. There are hundreds of apps designed to serve numerous purposes, whether its to help you count calories, count steps taken, or help motivate and inspire you to go exercise.
A few we’ve heard about recently are Pocket Yoga, for yoga anywhere and anytime, and GymPact, an app that pays you for working out, paid by members who don’t. There are of course staple fitness apps like Map My Fitness, My Fitness Pal, and Nike+ that help keep track of miles run as well as different runs you do.
Eco18 is a collective of creative-writing individuals from different backgrounds with a common goal—to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle. Their combined expertise, humor, and opinions explore green and sustainable in a practical, fun way. www.eco18.com
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