Spring will be here in, oh, about 12 hours (depending on when you're reading this) so, frankly, it's too late to really prepare yourself in any meaningful way (unless by 'prepare yourself' you're referring to a drunken night of revelry to celebrate the coming season, as one of my clients suggested she might do). Luckily, there isn't much you need to do other than bask in the knowledge that winter is officially over - at least, that's what the calendar says and, like the interwebs, anything written there is true.
Still, there are things you can do to make the transition easier. A little spring cleaning for your mind, your workout gear and your closet will help you get ready for the new season.
Something else to think about is making the transition to outdoor workouts. If you've been on the treadmill for awhile, you may be surprised at how different it feels when your legs and feet hit solid ground. Some things to consider:
Wind resistance - The wind forces you to work harder. In fact, one study estimates that wind resistance may increase your workload by 2% to 8%, depending on how fast you're going.Uneven surface - The treadmill surface never changes, even if you change the incline. Outside are sidewalks, tree roots, bumps and grooves, all of which can tax your feet and ankles or even cause a fall or a sprain. No moving belt - The treadmill belt pulls your feet back for you but, when you head outside, your legs do all the hard work, which may cause you to exert more energy even at the same pace.Keep that in mind your first time out and consider taking it easy during those first few workouts to let your body get used to the new terrain.
What about you? Do you do anything special to get ready for spring or do you just go for it? Leave a comment and tell me about it.
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