Spring Has Sprung: Spring Cleaning Get FIT guide

Seriously? It hasn't even been a full week of spring yet, and temps are telling us it's gonna be a blazin' summer.  One sure sign of the season's change is the abundance of power-walkers and trail-runners gearing up for this year's warm-weather road races.

It's certain that warmer weather triggers the desire to open a few windows and get rid of clutter, and it tends to break the monotony of any workout simply because we get a surge of energy from brighter skies, the sounds of chirping birds and weightless bulk-free clothing.  

With spring's bright colorful blooms, sprouts a freshness of freedom to get out of hibernation,  get outdoors and try something new like that  class or registering for a 5K.

So, whether your goal is the coveted Peachtree Road Race t-shirt or braving the hills of the US 10K Classic, OR shakin' things up at ZUMBA ; here's a handy guide to dust off the cobwebs, refresh your workout and get rid of the junk in your trunk (wherever you've been storing it). 

SPRING CLEANING CHECK LIST

• NO JUNK. Changing your attitude about the why, why-not, how, when, where and what-for’s regarding exercise is the beginning of any  fitness 'plan.’   FIT-ness is not what you do, it’s who you are. It’s 50 percent state of mind, 50 percent state of becoming.
•  GET 4 CRAZY FRIENDS: Find yourself four CRAZY friends, friends who will, by any means necessary, get you to your ultimate goal of living the life you were created to live. If you find yourself in a ditch, they WILL NOT decorate it, but will get down on their knees for YOU, roll up their sleeves and get dirt under their nails to pull you out. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, they will NOT allow you to pull them down with you.

• START WALKIN’: Walking is the easiest way to start getting healthier. You don’t need any fancy equipment, membership or even a lot of space or time. You CAN walk in place if need be. Joining a walking group can help you with your first 2 supplies.

• GET A PLAYLIST. "Imma be:" Breaking free from the procrastinator's mantra "imma-do-it-tomorrow" can be somewhat difficult so we've dubbed the popular song "Imma Be" as our power-charged adrenaline driving booster. As a headliner on your playlist, this song will have you ready to walk, run or salsa your way to a Spring Break-ready confidence. Get your list together or borrow the one I use to get my heart pumpin’ and my spirit movin’ (remember #1.)

• My current playlist: anything by Tobymac, Group One Crew, Maroon 5, Chemical Brothers, india.aire, Israel Houghton, old school (ehem REAL) hip-hop, Mary Mary, Coko, J.Moss, De La Soul, Kiki Sheard, Becka Shae, Need To Breathe, Sanctus Real, Third Day, Michelle Bonilla, Franchesca Battistelli, Da Truth, KJ-52, Michael Jackson, just to name a few…

• GET IN GEAR. It’s running season so most stores carry a wide selection of active wear and shoes in fresh andcheery spring colors. Check the Sunday paper for coupons or check the store websites for additional discounts and sales.

1. SHOES: Proper shoes are a MUST. Your feet take you where you need to go, they kinda need to have the right support. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but as the saying goes, “it’s in the shoes.” Trot over to a department store and try on a pair that feels comfortable to YOU. When trying on the sneaker, it’s best to do it mid-afternoon or evening because you’ve been on your feet most of the day so you’ll get a better idea of what the shoe will feel like after you’ve been in them for a while. A few of my favorite brands are: Ryka, New Balance, ASICS, Nike Free.
2. Clothing: Wear non-cotton, moisture wicking fabrics which are breathable and designed to repel the sweat away from your body. Don’t be afraid to wear nice-looking workout clothes. You might as well look good on your way to feeling good, and buying a new workout outfit is a great reward incentive when you reach your goals.
3. Hair taming: Try elastic head bands and pony tail holders. Suave ® captivating curls whipped cream mouse,  for my ‘natural sistahs,’ tames the frizzies, keeps your hair soft and touchable without feeling product gunkiness

Last but certainly not least, in fact it’s probably the most important thing to remember. You truly are what you eat.  Your body is like a car, in order to drive to your destination you need to have enough gas to go the distance. Just as well, the amount of food you eat depends on YOU. A small compact car doesn’t need the same amount of gas as a pickup truck now does it? Make sure that you’re eating the right amount and right kind of food for YOUR body and YOUR life.

Try this energy-boosting smoothie recipe.

 Ingredients:

• 1 green apple – peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 ripe banana – peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of cranberry juice (100 percent juice, not cocktail)
• 1 handful of raw baby spinach
• 1/3 cup of uncooked oatmeal (if no food allergy)
• 1 cup of ice

Throw all ingredients into a blender until ice and fruit are chopped & liquified. Pour into an 8 ounce glass and enjoy!

This refreshing drink has all the nutrients you need for breakfast or snack and is intended to clean your body of toxins. For best results enjoy this smoothie for what it is – no need to have it WITH a meal, it IS a meal.

Put your Spring Cleaning Checklist to work and get the junk out of your trunk at Amia’s inneractive FITCLUB Spring Cleaning FITCAMP.