As winter’s chill fades, it’s time to shake off the sluggishness and revitalize your fitness routine. Top North Shore trainers share their expert tips to help you spring clean your workouts and maintain momentum all year long. Embrace the longer daylight hours and renewed motivation with these insider strategies for a healthier, more active you.
Revitalize Your Fitness: Expert Advice from North Shore Trainers
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start, and that includes your fitness routine. Whether you’re looking to break out of a plateau, try something new, or simply boost your motivation, North Shore’s leading trainers have the answers.
Find Fitness You Enjoy
Kelli Vossler, Sr. Director of Development & Expansion at Spark Fitness & Tennis Club in Andover, emphasizes the importance of finding activities you genuinely enjoy. “If you force yourself into a fitness routine you dread, you’re setting yourself up for failure,” Vossler explains. Jeanne Carter, co-owner of Fuel Training Studio in Newburyport, echoes this sentiment: “Find something you like doing, whether it’s walking, taking a group class, or lifting. The more fun it is, the easier it’ll stick…Just get started—don’t overthink it.”
Actionable Tip: Experiment with different activities until you find something that excites you. This could be anything from dancing and hiking to swimming and team sports.
Buddy Up for Accountability
Accountability is key to sticking with your fitness goals. Lori Haverty, Lead Trainer and Owner of Tread in Reading, advises, “Seeking accountability from a friend or group, you essentially make fitness a habit rather than temporary.” Vossler adds, “When committing to change, you can’t always do it alone. Let those in your inner circle know how important this is and ask them to help hold you accountable for moving more each week.” Buddying up can also introduce a bit of healthy competition, which can further boost motivation.
Actionable Tip: Find a workout buddy with similar goals and schedule. Having someone to hold you accountable makes skipping workouts much harder and makes the workout itself more fun!
Embrace the Outdoors
With warmer weather and longer days, spring is the ideal time to take your workouts outside. Danny Vadala, owner of Crossfit Full Potential in Newburyport, suggests, “Gyms aren’t for everyone. And that’s okay. If you like working out solo and don’t enjoy exercising in a gym, getting outside every day for a long walk, bike ride, or hike will go a long way to getting you fit. Even if you do like the gym, I’d have the same advice. Walking is the best way to supplement or start your fitness journey at every level.” Exercising outdoors has also been shown to reduce stress levels and boost mental well-being compared to indoor workouts.
Actionable Tip: Explore local parks, trails, and beaches for outdoor workout opportunities. Consider activities like hiking, biking, running, swimming, or even just a brisk walk in nature.
Set Realistic Goals
Spring is the perfect time to re-evaluate your fitness goals and make sure they’re realistic and achievable. Setting smaller, manageable goals can help you stay motivated and on track. For example, if your goal is to run a 5K, start by running for a few minutes a day and gradually increasing your time and distance. The NHS recommends setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to create a clear path to success.
Actionable Tip: Break down your larger fitness goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Track your progress and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.
Try Something New
Boredom can quickly derail your fitness routine. Changing up your routine not only keeps exercise more exciting but also helps you avoid that dreaded weight loss plateau. Do something different to spice it up. Try a new class, up the intensity, find a new trainer. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore new activities that challenge your body and mind.
Actionable Tip: Explore different fitness classes, sports, or workout styles. Consider activities like yoga, Pilates, dance, martial arts, or rock climbing.
Focus on Movement, Not Just Intensity
If you’re feeling unmotivated or dreading your workouts, focus on movement of any kind. Haverty encourages, “For someone who hates exercise, yoga and stretching may be a good option. There are low-sweat activities that are good for strength, agility, and muscle durability.” Even simple activities like walking, stretching, and gardening can contribute to your overall fitness and well-being.
Actionable Tip: Incorporate low-impact activities into your routine, especially on days when you’re feeling less motivated. Listen to your body and adjust your workouts accordingly.
Prioritize Self-Care
Regular exercise not only benefits our physical health but also boosts mood, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity. Prioritizing “me time” is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Use this season as an opportunity to prioritize self-care and activities that nourish both your body and soul, such as taking part in fitness classes, swimming, or going to the gym.
Actionable Tip: Schedule time for self-care activities like massage, meditation, or spending time in nature. These activities can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Optimize Your Environment
To make exercise a seamless part of your routine, eliminate barriers that might stand in your way. Lay out your workout gear the night before, place your equipment in a visible, easily accessible space, or set up a dedicated fitness corner in your home. Research highlights that environmental cues play a crucial role in shaping exercise habits. By creating an inviting and organized workout space, you’ll increase the likelihood of sticking to your fitness goals.
Actionable Tip: Create a dedicated workout space in your home or optimize your environment to make it easier to exercise regularly.
Spring Fitness Trends to Watch
As you refresh your fitness routine, consider incorporating some of the latest trends to keep things exciting and effective.
Wearable Technology
Wearable fitness tech will be all about looking at the whole picture — tracking stress, sleep quality, hydration, and more. These cutting-edge devices are diving deeper than ever, giving users the tools they need to level up their fitness and prioritize whole-body wellness like never before. Check out the Oura Ring 4, the Garmin Lily 21, or the Fitbit Charge 6.
AI-Driven Personal Training
Imagine hyper-personalized workout plans, real-time form corrections, and coaching that adapts as you progress. These virtual trainers use your data to make even the most advanced fitness programs feel like they were designed just for you.
Gamified Fitness
Gamified fitness is about to transform your 2025 workouts into something you can’t wait to jump into. Incorporating gaming elements like Fitbit badges, Apple Watch challenges, and app-based leaderboards into workouts is becoming even more popular this year.
Cold Therapy
Incorporating methods like ice baths, cryotherapy, and cold plunges into fitness routines helps reduce inflammation, soothe sore muscles, and boost energy levels.
Functional Circuit Training
Members are flocking towards functional circuit training that combines strength and cardio in thrilling class environments.
Rucking
It involves loading up a heavy backpack and getting outdoors by walking, hiking, or climbing a mountain with a heavy load on your back.
Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates classes specifically have seen a significant uptake and interest. The growing interest in fitness classes is primarily seen among younger generations, such as Gen Z and younger, who prioritize fitness experiences like this more than older generations.
North Shore Fitness Resources
Ready to take your fitness to the next level? Here are some North Shore resources to help you get started:
- Hit 180 Fitness (North Shore): Offers personal fitness training with customized workout regimens and nutrition plans.
- Spark Fitness & Tennis Club (Andover): Provides a variety of fitness programs and tennis facilities.
- Fuel Training Studio (Newburyport): Offers group classes and personal coaching in a motivating environment.
- Tread (Reading): Provides treadmill-based workouts and personal training.
- Crossfit Full Potential (Newburyport): Offers CrossFit training and fitness programs.
- GYMGUYZ (Downtown Chicago & North Shore, IL): Offers at-home personal training services. Serving Winnetka, Wilmette, Skokie, and Evanston.
- MyCore Fitness (Glencoe, IL): Offers circuit training programs and personal training. Serves Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Glenview, Wilmette, and Northbrook.
- YMCA of the North Shore: Provides personal training and group fitness classes.
With the right strategies and resources, you can spring clean your fitness routine and achieve your health and wellness goals this season. Embrace the energy of spring and make this your healthiest year yet!
