New Year New Workout Routine—Different Types of Workouts

Workout with Your Furry Friend

If you are looking for a workout that is a win-win, why not get some quality time with your furry friend while you both get a quality workout? You can walk your dog around the block, about town, or on hiking trails together. Make sure you are both dressed properly for the weather and that your pup has a good collar and leash. You'll want a warm winter coat and a warm dog jacket for your buddy if it’s cold outside. Winter workouts can be great fun as long as you’re both comfy. Always check the weather before you head out.

If you have a puppy who is new to a leash, start slow. Your pup may be full of energy, but like any little tyke, learning new skills takes time. Consider looking online for tips from credentialed dog trainers or taking a puppy class together to get the two of you on the same page. Of course, just playing together outside is fun and exercise for both of you, too!

Happy Hiking

If you enjoy walking, why not try hiking? Pro tip: Hiking is just walking with a few additional elements like gorgeous scenery, interesting terrain, and more time to enjoy the great outdoors. It is also a great social activity. Why not get your partner, friends, or kids in on the action? If any of you are new to hiking, set yourselves up for success with short hikes on even ground to start. Plan a route that has good stopping places, like a park for lunch or a playground, for the kids to burn off even more energy.

Make sure you have the proper footwear for hiking, along with comfy pants, tops, jackets, and accessories. Men's and women’s fleece jackets are a great option for hiking in cool weather or layering underneath a coat for a winter hike. They are soft, warm, and breathe—all important for hiking. Stay well hydrated, too.

Strength in Numbers

If you have never tried strength or resistance training, you and your body are missing out. Like all workout routines, there are options available from beginner to advanced. Strength training is also more fun with friends. Many gyms have introductory individual, plus-one, or family memberships that can be fun to try out with family and friends. The advantages of gyms also include staff who can teach you how to safely use the equipment to get the results that you want. Throw on some of your favorite activewear for women and give it a try!

Make a Splash

If you don’t care for sweating, a water workout may be your new workout for the new year. Activities from water aerobics to swimming classes to swimming laps are all wonderful activities that will increase your heart rate and make you feel great. Check out local community centers to learn what classes are available to you. There is probably something fun that you haven’t even considered.

Swimwear now includes a myriad of options from the classic one-piece swimsuit to tankinis to swim dresses, swim shirts, and burkinis. Opt for a coverage level that makes you comfy and a style that makes you look great.

If you need a new suit, start with your current measurements, take a little time to think about what you would enjoy wearing, and try on some different styles. Most online stores have swimwear to fit every body type. One of the advantages of shopping online is that you can try on a swimsuit in the comfort of your own home. When trying on a new suit, look in a full-length mirror to get the full effect. See how the suit would move with you while you swim, get in or out of a pool, or bend over to pick up your tote bag. The right suit will move with you and make you look and feel great.

Say “Yes” to Yoga

The great thing about yoga is that it meets you where you are. Whether you enjoy a chair yoga class, practice with yoga videos at home, or take advantage of the array of instructor-led classes at a yoga studio, there is something for everyone with yoga. Yoga styles also range from mild stretching with deep breathing to actively combining yoga moves and strength training to hot yoga. Most yoga studios will allow you to try them for free for a week or have an introductory membership to see if their studio will work for you.

You’ll want to be able to move easily in yoga, so find your petite, regular, plus, or tall yoga pants, a comfy top, and a sports bra. Just add a yoga mat, and you’re set.