The final weeks of winter are here. We’re finding our way through the last of the grey days with a little help from our fitspirational pal, Lauren Gores Ireland. Lauren and trainer Mike Alexander have created this gentle, but energizing workout routine that will wake up our systems and bring us outside once again…
Battling the winter blues? Good news is, a workout and a green juice can solve almost anything.
Even when you live in sunny California, there’s something about the long, slow season following the holidays that steals away some energy. Step outdoors and mix up your normal workout routine. Try combining short runs with plyometric exercises, pilates and even yoga. The unlikely combo is always a welcome one for both my mind and body.
You’ll feel optimistic, energized and strong following this workout, created with help from trainer Mike Alexander of MadFit Gym. It will invigorate you, help you work harder and will inspire a renewed and reflective outlook.
Here’s how to cure those winter blues…
Beat the Winter Blues Workout
Run
Begin your workout with a half-mile run outdoors, at a pace that’s both comfortable and challenging for you. The goal here is to warm up your muscles.
Traveling Lunge Hops
10 reps on each leg, 3 sets: Begin in a lunge position. Using your core, push off the bottom of both feet, bringing your back leg toward your chest (hopping off your opposite leg). Land in the starting lunge position. Each lunge hop should propel you forward, alternating legs each time.
Side-Lying Hip Abduction
25 reps on each side, 3 sets: Lie on your right side, with your right arm bent at a 90-degree angle for support. Bend your left leg, bringing it in front your right. Pulse your right leg up and down, to work your inner thigh. Switch sides and repeat.
Reverse Crunch
15 reps, 3 sets: Lie on your back and raise your legs straight into the air. Using your core muscles, push your hips and bum upwards toward the sky. Return to your resting position and repeat.
Tuck Jumps
10 reps, 3 sets: Begin in a standing position, with your hands in a fist. Squat down and explode upward into a tuck position. Keep your knees bent and close to your chest.
Standing Tree
1 rep each side: Choose a flat, restful spot to practice a little yoga. Begin standing, while drawing one foot up and placing your sole into the opposite leg’s inner thigh (just above the knee). Once balanced, extend your arms up over your head, with your palms touching. Hold this position for 30 seconds on each side.
Run
Wrap up your workout with another half-mile run. This time, keep in mind it’s meant to be a cool-down exercise. Run at a slow pace.
