2020 was a year unlike any other, with the pandemic forcing health clubs and fitness facilities to close temporarily around the world. We all had to pivot from our traditional fitness routines — i.e., going to the gym — and embrace distanced and virtual fitness and wellness experiences. We are very fortunate in this region that most of our fitness locales are back open while continuing to observe social distancing.
Having said that, springtime offers new opportunities to get moving and spring into action. Here are some things you can do to get moving and make this season healthy and invigorating.
BODYWEIGHT TRAINING
COVID made us rethink our workout routines and focus on how we can exercise with limited space and equipment. Bodyweight training uses the weight of your body, plus movement, to build muscle. Examples include squats, lunges, pushups, burpees and dips.
“HOT” WORKOUTS
Hot yoga is truly one of my favorite exercise practices. The biggest benefit for busy women like you and me is more workout in less time. With infrared technology bringing heat to your exercises and poses, you have help reaching your target weight and fitness level.
And it’s not just yoga. Infrared routines from cycling to core work get you sweating and in and out quickly.
HIIT
HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, programs include bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by short periods of rest and recovery, making them ideal for completing efficient workouts in 30 minutes or fewer. HIIT incorporates cardio or strength training, or a combination of the two.
STRENGTH TRAINING WITH FREE WEIGHTS
This type of training involves free weights, kettle bells, barbells, dumbbells and medicine balls. The foundation of strength training is proper form and, once a good routine is established, increasing resistance and adding new exercises.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
You’ve probably already sought out opportunities to explore the great outdoors during your workouts while maintaining a safe distance from others and enjoying the fresh air. The pandemic has caused a boom in outdoor activities like hiking, biking and walking — which carries into 2021 as a top trend. We live and work in a truly ideal location for outdoor activities.
HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS FOR ENJOYING ALL THIS AREA HAS TO OFFER OUTSIDE:
- Walk the beaches or bridges: With 26 miles of beautiful beach to enjoy, you have every reason to put on some comfortable shoes and take a brisk walk along the shore or across one of the Coast’s many bridges. It’s the perfect way to get some exercise and appreciate our coastal landscape, Walk the Bay St. Louis or Ocean Springs bridge, turn up the headphones and get moving.
- Bike or hike our beaches and greenways: The beach is the perfect pathway for bike riding. From Bay St. Louis to Biloxi Beach and beyond, the sidewalks are very bike friendly — or you can take it off road and bike or hike through some beautiful parks and trails. Wandering through any of our local nature spots like Gulf Islands National Seashore also can be educational for you and the whole family.
- Explore an island: Grab the kids and get coastal! We have several islands, accessible by boat, that offer swimming, hiking, fishing and an overall perfect getaway.
However you choose to enjoy the great outdoors, here’s to an active, healthy and rejuvenating spring!
Karol Brandt is an executive host with Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as well as co-author of the Amazon best-seller “The Struggle is Real: Finally Break the Dieting Cycle, Transform Your Mind and Body, and Evolve into The Person You Have Always Wanted to Be” and the “30-Day Evolve Challenge Journal.” Contact Brandt by email at karol.brandt@scarletpearlcasino.com, Facebook/ The Struggle Is Real or Instagram at karolbrandtnola.
