Beautiful Weather Encourages Healthy Living

This has been one of the more beautiful spring seasons I've experienced in Springfield.  I have enjoyed getting outside to run or do outdoor workouts at the park.  Recently I did a workout of slow to moderate intensity running with body weight exercises-with only the use of a park bench.  It was a great workout and made me pretty sore :) 

If you are wanting to get out and enjoy the sunshine and workout at the same time try this simple workout:

• Walk or jog 0.5 to 1 mile for a warm up.

1. Find a park bench and do 10-15 pushups with your hands on the bench
2. Do 10-20 squats (remember to keep your heels on the ground and your back straight)
3. Hold a plank on your hands and toes for 20-60 seconds
4. walk or run for 1/2 mile at a moderate to quick pace

• Repeat 1 through 4 two more times with a total of 3 sets for all four exercises.
• Cool down for 1/2 mile to 1 mile.  (If you are in pretty good shape then make your warm up 1 1/2 miles and your coold down 2 miles-that way you add more mileage-the total running being 5 miles)
• Stretch upper body, core, and lower body for 10 minutes.

Mixing your cardiovascular training with strength training the most effective way to lose weight and improve your fitness levels.  In doing this you will be challenging your cardiovascular fitness, your muscular strength, muscular endurance, and you will boost your metabolism (burn more total calories in a day)!