It is the perfect time to get outside and start a new exercise regime.  Exercise is extremely beneficial for so many aspects of your health including physical and mental health. Physical activity assists in alleviating stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins.  It also can help out by improving memory, enhancing mood, inducing relaxation and improving sleep quality, supporting weight loss and enhancing self-confidence. Why not start today? 

Time is always a factor with our busy lives but, you don’t have to spend hours exercising to receive many of the benefits of exercise. You can enhance your heart and lung health within the first few minutes of moving your body.

A daily 15-minute walk is a powerful start to exercising. 

Find a workout that fits your style. Try many different kinds of activities. Our bodies and minds like variety with workouts and movement. Below are some ideas for outdoor and indoor workouts. 

Outdoor Workouts are extremely beneficial for clearing your mind, connecting with nature, and receiving some Vitamin-D. 

• Walking -  You can walk anywhere, including outside your workspace, in your neighborhood, paths, or parks.  
• Hiking - Take advantage of our beautiful mountains. If you would like, you can try rock-climbing. 
• Biking - Colorado has many beautiful bike paths throughout the city, and in the Foothills. You may also enjoy mountain biking. *There are hiking and mountain biking trials for beginner, intermediate, and advanced hikers and bikers. You can research them in advance online. 
• Swimming - Take some of the impact of stress off your body while building endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness with swimming.  Find a local pool in your area and swim some laps, take a class, or join a swim team.  
• Volleyball - This is a great social activity.  You can gather a group of friends, or join a beginner league to learn the ropes.  
• Tennis - There are tennis courts throughout the state that are open to the public. Ask a friend to join you in improving your swing, or take a lesson or classes at a rec center. 

Indoor workouts are great for when the weather is too hot, cold, rainy, or snowy. You can overcome these obstacles by creating solutions to move inside. 

• Join a gym or rec center - You can decide whether you want to walk or run on the treadmill, bike on the stationary, use the elliptical, lift weights, or take a class. 
• Workout videos - There are thousands of DVD's and online videos you can attain.  I recommend trying several of them out and rotating them to prevent boredom and have variety. 
• Yoga - Gain flexibility, relax your mind, strengthen your body, and work on your balance with a regular yoga practice. If you are new to yoga try out a private class. You will have the instructors undivided attention and gain insight on your form to avoid injury. *When we open our new locationin the Summer, we will offer private yoga and group classes.

You can do it! Change your mindset from, "I have to workout", to "I get to workout". Find motivational quotes to inspire you. Try out some of the workouts listed above and have fun!