Getting More Active in Spring Weather

In this article:

• March can be a turning point for the weather as spring starts. Weather conditions can be anything from wintry to summery.
• It may be a good time to get outside after the winter months. Outdoors physical activity has benefits!
• Safety and health come first. You can also think about trying new activities and looking around for motivation.
• Logging physical activity with Lark, and using Lark's other features, can help you reach your health and weight loss goals.

Improving Weather

They say that March "comes In like a lion and goes out like a lamb." Winter may be in full swing on March 1. But spring starts on March 20. And by the end of March, days are longer and temps are milder.

It's time to get outside! If you've been stuck indoors all winter, it's time to get some fresh air and natural light. And if you have braved the outdoors all winter, it can be time to relax winter weather precautions. Still, being prepared for variable weather and other springtime conditions can make your workouts better. Here's a quick guide!

Why Go Outside?

If more is better, then try going outside. That can help you get more physical activity compared to staying in. That's according to research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. And a review article in Nature says that exercising more outside can help with these.

• Lower blood pressure
• Improving mood
• Reducing stress

You may need or want to stay inside sometimes. That's fine!

• If weather conditions are unsafe
• If you are multitasking, such as watching your children or catching up on movies or the newspaper
• If you love your indoors workout, whether an exercise video, household weights, or a cardio machine.

Wild Weather

Weather in March can be crazy. Some areas can experience snow, rain, wind, and heat in a matter of days. It is best to check the current weather and the forecast. You don't want to leave home in a tank top and come home in the snow!

These tips can also help.

• Depending on where you live, there may still be patches of snow and ice. Stay aware, even if it is sunny!
• You lose body heat faster when it rains, but proper rain gear can help. A waterproof jacket and a hat with a brim can be more comfortable. 
• Layering up is still the name of the game when it is chilly.
• Your body may not be used to heat, so even moderately hot days can require heat precautions, such as drinking more water or cutting back the length or intensity of your workout.

Spring Workout Gear

It may be time to spring-clean your workout wardrobe. Wearing the right clothes can make your workouts easier. And wearing clothes that make you feel good can increase your motivation. If you're looking for another way to get more activity throughout the day, try wearing gym clothes. Research in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology shows that what you wear affects how you act.

It's also a good time to check your gear. Are your walking or running shoes still well-cushioned? Is the tread still good, especially if you go hiking or may encounter mud, snow, ice, or slick sidewalks? Do you have the hand weights or resistance bands that you may want for strength training?

Spring Motivation

By March, New Year's resolutions may have fallen by the wayside. It may be time to find more motivation. Might you…?

• Plan a summer trip that requires you to be fit, such as for surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, or hiking?
• Think about looking good for spring break?
• Sign up for a summertime 5k or 10k?
• Ask your doctor to check blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol, and see if you can improve your scores over the next few months?
• Check in with Lark more often to see how you can improve your physical activity trends?

Whatever gets you out that door - or off of the sofa - is a good motivator.

What to Do - Back to Basics or Branching Out

Walking is a good choice for any season. But you may have more choices when the weather thaws a bit. For example, it may make sense to alternate walking with jogging, or to set up some weights and walk in between sets. 

These are some ideas if you want to branch out a bit.

• Look for group classes in your area. Boot camps, dance classes, martial arts classes, and other classes are common in parks now. Ask the instructor what to bring and wear!
• Make your workout part of an outing, such as going to a hiking area, beach, or ski slope for a day or weekend.
• Get some friends together and take turns deciding what to do for exercise. The result may be surprising and fun!

Joining a challenge is another way to get motivated.

• Challenges can be online or with coworkers or friends.
• The challenge may be to complete something. Or it might be competitive, with a leaderboard and a prize for the winner.
• Examples of possible challenges include getting the most miles in a month, doing squats every day for a week, and trying three new activities in a month.

Be sure to ask your healthcare provider before starting any new activity.

The end of winter and beginning of spring can feel like a new beginning. It may be time to revamp or renew your exercise commitment! Going outside, checking your workout gear, and trying new activities can all be good for your physical activity levels, health, and weight!

Physical activity in winter and spring can have a major impact on health and weight management. There are many ways to overcome challenges such as bad weather and lack of time. Lark can help you stay active!

Lark makes physical activity simple. With Lark, weight loss and healthy living happen when you make small changes that fit into your lifestyle. Lark offers tips, tracking, instant feedback, and friendly suggestions. Over time, small healthy changes can become habits for long-term success. Your personal Lark coach is available 24/7 through your smartphone so you can get expert tips, track meals, physical activity, and weight loss. 

The entire program may be available at no cost to you if your health insurer covers it. Click here to find out if you may be eligible for Lark! You could be minutes away from taking the first steps to hitting your weight loss goals and improving health.