If you have kids, or recall how it was when you were one, you probably remember Spring Break—and how it always meant a nice, warm, usually play-filled window between Winter and Summer. Perhaps now that the mercury is rising, you can infuse your life with the same sentiment and enjoy some R&R while still focusing on your fitness. Stealing moments of serenity while amplifying your health (both physical and emotional) feels good—and it can be a lot less expensive than therapy. (Let me be straight: I like a slim waistline just as much as the next girl, but at the end of the day, I use movement to help me stay sane and productive.)
Here are some ways you can soothe your mind while fortifying your body:
Take Mindful Strides
Good old-fashioned walking is one of the best movements you can do for your health—it’s low impact yet works the entire body. It’s also a form of active meditation, and if you pay close attention to taking deep, full breaths, and to how every step feels, it becomes mindfulness meditation, too.
To get more from a workout, make sure you take a full stride and release your foot all the way behind you until you feel your glutes fire. I like to use my Fitbit Surge to help with walking ‘intervals,’ too. Walk at your usual speed for 3 to 5 minutes, and then pick up the pace for 30 seconds, and repeat these sets for the duration of your walk.
Make a Splash
If you have access to a pool, leave your Fitbit tracker on a lounge chair and jump in! It feels so good and is kind on the body (read: low impact). Of course, laps can be great, but Lord knows a splash boring. Instead, swim 10 ‘sprint’ sets from side to side, resting 30 seconds between each one. If you are with a friend, switch off, so they swim when you return and so on until you have each completed 10 full sets.
Finish things off with five to seven sets of 10 shallow-water squat jumps to work your legs and heart without hurting your joints.
Breathe Deeply
I love being active, so I have to admit setting aside time to stretch and breathe isn’t my favorite. But it’s essential for muscle recovery and pain-free aging. Start by taking 10 full, deep breaths, and work up to 3 to 5 sets of 30. I also hold my breath for a minute between each set, but by no means should you force yourself to do this. Breathing deeply on its own, and in a focused way, helps you get needed oxygen to your muscles—and it also gives you a moment to simply pause and release stress. Ahhhh.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Gabby Reece
World-renowned athlete, New York Times bestselling author, wife, and mother. Gabrielle Reece is a former professional beach volleyball player and was Nike’s first female spokeswoman. She has a passion for healthy living and fitness, which has shaped her career and makes her a popular leader in the world of health and wellness.
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