Memorial Day Fitness: 3 Quick Workouts To Keep You Moving This Weekend
It’s finally that time of the year again to welcome back warmer weather and longer days. Most people would agree that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. While working out may seem difficult to squeeze in during a weekend filled with the beach, booze, and barbecued food, there’s many types of physical activity to consider that can fit a busy schedule. Here’s a few quick workouts to get you moving this holiday weekend.
Read: 6 Healthy Food Swaps For Your Memorial Day Weekend BBQ: Healthy Replacements For Barbecue Staples
Run Or Walk A 5K
If you’ve never participated in a 5K, the idea of one may sound daunting. But, I assure you it’s not! In fact, it’s quite the opposite. While you may have pre-race jitters as you wait at the start line for the race to begin, they’ll quickly go away. The high energy from the runners, walkers, and spectators will carry you along the 3.1 mile journey. There’s plenty of styles of races out there ranging from fun runs with obstacles, races raising money for charity, more competitive events — or a mix of all three. If you don’t feel ready to run one yet, don’t fret. Nearly all races have participants who choose to walk. Looking for a 5K near you? Here’s a list of Memorial Day 2017 races across the country.
Backyard Group Activities
If you'd rather exercise without actually feeling like you’re working out, consider organizing group activities. Playing games that incorporate exercise can be a fun way to get friends and family moving and bonding at your Memorial Day get together. Childhood classics like flag football, capture the flag, and Kan Jam can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Gardening can also provide exercise at home. If you'd rather get out of your backyard, consider heading to a golf course, going for a bike ride, or hiking.
High-Intensity Interval Training
If you only have ten or twenty minutes of free time this weekend, that’s more than enough to get in a fast-paced workout. High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a popular training method that’s known to burn more fat than traditional cardio. During this style of exercise, you switch between periods of high-intensity movements and moderate to low-effort activities. No exercise equipment? No problem. There are many types of exercises that HIIT incorporates that can be done without gym equipment: running, burpees, push-ups, high-knees, mountain climbers, planks, lunges, crunches, jumping jacks, and many others. If you do have access to equipment, you can incorporate exercises like jumping rope, kettlebell swings, or running on the treadmill. Check out Medical Daily’s “Complete Guide To HIIT: Everything You Need To Know About High-Intensity Interval Training.”
See also: 6 Ways To Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine For A Bikini Body
