It’s no secret that those of us here in New England have just experienced one of the coldest and harshest winters in the last decade. Although spring is still weeks away, there’s no denying that it’s coming soon. This winter may have been one of hibernation and holing up inside for you, but as the giant snow banks begins to melt and the days stretch a little longer, there’s a feeling in the air that’s hard to ignore: The call to get back outside! After months of bundling up, cancelling class to stay in bed a little bit longer, and watching the cold dark mornings pass through the gym windows, spring will soon invite us back outside. At Tradewinds, we couldn’t be more excited to get our training beyond these four walls.
Shake Off the Winter Slump
Winter has its own pace. It’s a season of strength-building, slower mornings, and cozy routines that often include extra indulgence. But it can also leave us feeling a little stiff, a little wane, and very ready for change.
Taking your workout outdoors is one of the most powerful ways to reset both your body and brain. Natural light boosts your mood. Fresh air energizes your lungs. Uneven terrain challenges muscles you may not have engaged all winter long.
Getting Outside is Beneficial Because:
• Vitamin D exposure supports immune health and bone strength.
• Green, natural spaces reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels and improving focus.
• Sunlight regulates sleep cycles, helping you feel more energized during the day.
Transitioning Safely
If you’ve been training indoors all winter, your body may need a gradual transition. Here’s how to ease in:
1. Layer clothing strategically. Early spring weather can be unpredictable. Choose breathable fabrics that you can peel off as you warm up or put back on when the temps dip.
2. Adjust your intensity. Running or walking on pavement or trails use different muscles than the treadmill or gym floor’s rubber mats. Start with shorter distances or intervals and work your way up. A free App like Couch to 5K or Couch to 10K are great guided ways to start!
3. Focus on mobility. Cold-weather training can tighten hips and shoulders. Add dynamic warmups and stretches before and after any outdoor sessions.
4. Hydrate (even if it’s cool out). You may not feel as sweaty in the cool sea breeze air, but your body still needs water before, during, and after your workout.
Reconnect With Community
One of the best parts of getting back outside? Sharing time with your peers!
Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming Tradewinds opportunities like group workouts in the park, summer Friday classes down by the beach, and post-work out running club. Don’t see a group or activity that you’d like? Suggest a new one yourself and invite other athletes! There’s an energy that comes from moving together in open air, and community encourages commitment to your fitness and goals.
If winter was about building up the strength of your foundation, spring is all about expanding your horizons and stretching your wings.
How to Make it Happen
• Finish a Tradewinds class with a wind down of a walk around the block a few times, including a few minutes of mindful breathing in the sun.
• Walk or jog to and from the gym when possible, or to complete a simple errand like going to the bank or pharmacy.
• Set a seasonal goal: a 5K or 10K like Boston’s Run to Remember in the spring or the 10K for Women in the fall. Sign up with others and map out a plan to prepare yourself for that goal.
• Utilize Shore Drive, Deer Island, or the Belle Isle Marsh as incredible oceanside walkways that our town has to offer to remember why we actually live here! Start with once or twice a week and work up to more frequent outdoor movement by the time summer hits. You’ve got this!
What are your best tips for getting back outside after the winter slump?
If you’re not a client, that’s okay. We can still help. Reach out to schedule a time to talk to a team member about how we can help.
