How to get back into shape for the spring

ISHPEMING — Research shows that the amount of people that exercise tends to decrease in the winter months and managers of local gyms have some tips on how you can get back into shape with the spring season around the corner.

Winters in the U.P. are really tough. Not only do we have to deal with an insane amount of snow. But we also experience some very frigid temperatures. All those factors seem to keep some of us indoors, even if deep down, we want to get out and be active.

“During the cold winter months that we’re in right now, people tend to drop off. It’s just not fun to get out of your house or come home from work and it’s nice and warm and get out to go to the gym,” Anytime Fitness General Manager Jamie Thayer said.

But with spring just a few weeks away, it may not be beach weather, but it’s nice enough to get out the running shoes and get back into shape. But that can be tough. So what’s the best way to get started? Set small goals at first and work your way up. More importantly, always stay committed.

“Schedule your workouts like an important meeting. We wouldn’t cancel on our boss or a doctor so look at your workouts like that. It takes 21 days to create or break a habit so after 21 days, you’re going to get hooked again,” said Thayer.

I know it’s a lot harder than it sounds. But we all can agree…the benefits in the end are well worth the hard work.