5 Ways to Refresh Your Workout This Season

Last week, I talked about my top tips to kick your hibernation eating habits to the curb and clean things up in the diet department this season. I love the phrase "Eat clean. Train mean. Look lean." Most likely because my writer's soul leaps at proper parallel construction. But, it's true: the combination of eating right and working out skyrockets you to your goals. Even if weight loss isn't your goal, it's obviously important to eat healthy and move your body. So this week, I want to talk about refreshing your workout for spring. We all get in workout ruts. We get comfortable in a routine, and we just need a little motivation to get over the hump.

I hope these five tips inspire you to try something new and shake up your sweat sessions this spring.

Refresh Your Gear

I get so giddy whenever I add a new piece of workout gear to my collection. There's something about a new yoga mat or Nikes that get me fired up for my next workout.

But it's good to refresh your gear every once in a while. Your trusty running shoes won't live forever - no matter how much you try. If your soles are wearing thin or you've got holes in your favorite top, it's probably time to add something new to the rotation.

And honestly, sometimes, you just need some good retail therapy. Here are some of my favorite places to shop:

• Fabletics (for pretty tops and athleisure)
• Old Navy (for pants)
• Shortchek (for hiking gear and Nikes)

Get Outside

One of the best things about this time of year is that I can start running outside. As much as I love my gym, there's nothing quite like working out soaking up some wonderful Vitamin D. It makes me feel happier and stronger than trudging away on a treadmill.

Grab a friend or two and explore new walking trails in your city. Take your yoga mat and kettlebells to a nearby park (or your backyard) and get your sweat on. You can even take a local outdoor bootcamp class to really mix it up.

Do Something New

This can be intimidating. I remember the first time I tried spin class. I was incredibly nervous. Everyone else in the studio was light years ahead of me in fitness. I had no idea how the bikes worked or how to properly "clip-in". Once we started, though...scratch that...once the class was over, I was glad I tried it. Now I spin regularly and love it. Your body gets used to the same workouts over and over again. So find something that you think you might enjoy doing. Maybe your gym has group fitness classes that you haven't taken advantage of yet. Maybe you actually sign up for that kickboxing class you've been wanting to do (note to self :)). The point is: shake it up and give your body something new.

I'm fortunate to live in a city that offers so much fitness diversity. Calgary is home to a myriad of barre, spin and yoga studios. I try to support as many local business owners as possible, so I make my rounds, but these are some of my favorites:

• One Cycle (Spin)
• Union Athletica (Spin & Yoga)
• Barre Belles (Barre)

Grab A Friend

I have a workout buddy, and she is the best. In fact, if it weren't for her, I would not be doing yoga (read: not stretching either) or going to spin. She has been there to inspire and motivate me when I don't think I can finish my workout. She has introduced me to new workout gear sources. And she has shown me that as much as I want to lose the last 10 pounds to my goal, taking care of body (read: stretch!) is more important.

In fact, studies show that having a workout partner increases your physical performance. Having someone there increases your motivation, encourages you to push just a little harder and celebrates when you've finished a good workout.

There are plenty of resources in your own city to help you get started working out with someone. For example, in Calgary, we have a few running groups like The Running Room or The Outsiders Run Club. These group are open to all fitness levels and experiences. You can also find tons of groups on MeetUp to help you refresh your workout routine.

Do Some Good

Getting involved in a charity walk or run is a great way to set some new fitness goals for the season, but also get involved in the community. There are plenty of walks/runs to participate in locally, so find one that you are passionate about and have some fun.

These are some of my favorite events in Calgary:

• Walk a Mile (YWCA)
• Charity Challenge (Calgary Marathon)
• CIBC Run For the Cure (Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation)

I hope these tips have encouraged and motivated you to get out there and get your sweat on! What tips have helped you shake up your fitness routine? Let me know in the comments below, on Twitter (@BrittanyBrander) or by email.

Have a beautiful week!