**This is a guest post. The opinions expressed is that of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect my own.
As the daylight hours continue to extend and the temperatures slowly climb, it is clear that Spring is just around the corner. This means, for many, the time honored tradition of spring cleaning. And after you’ve given your home a good scrub down, why not shift your focus to clearing the cobwebs off some of your healthy habits, getting them into top shape as the seasons shift. An expert in all things wellness, Katia Pryce, founder of DanceBody offers these top tips to jump start your Spring routine:
- Marie Kondo your Workout Gear.
If it does not spark joy, throw it away! Nowhere is this truer than your workout wardrobe. The sports bra that squeezes the spot you hate, the leggings that have an uncomfortable waistband, the tank top you got… for free.
If you’re not comfortable and confident in the workout clothes you’re wearing that does not set you up for a successful workout – especially when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror! Spark the joy in your workouts, and wear only the items you love, that make you feel strong, sexy, and inspire you to get your fine ass to a good class.
- Seasonal Switch Out.
During the winter, our bodies tend to move slower, but as the weather shifts, so does my fitness craving – I want happier, more uplifting workouts!
“Dancing stimulates us physically and emotionally while there are also cognitive and social elements to it,” dance psychologist Dr Peter Lovatt of the University of Hertfordshire told the Daily Telegraph. “You get a much bigger release of endorphins when you dance than during other forms of exercise; it also connects with the emotional centres in the brain.”
For many people, dancing prompts an emotional release – I always tell my class to get rid of their pent up emotional “stuff” on the dance floor. It’s absolutely cathartic.
- Cash Me Outside, how bout that?
The sun is shining longer, the temperature is rising, and our natural urge is to spend more time outside – the good news is that psychologists and health researchers are finding more science-backed reasons we should follow our instincts. Not only does it have serious de-stressing effects, but it has also been shown to reduce inflammation, eliminate fatigue, combat anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, and even help with memory.
On a personal note, being outside is something that helps to put the problems of the world (ok, my world!) into perspective. Even if it’s just a stroll through the concrete jungle with my dog, unplugging and being outside recalibrate my mind and spirit.
About the Author:
Katia Pryce has had a lifelong love affair with dance. After dancing professionally for years, she turned to fitness as way to keep herself in lean, athletic shape. That passion for both disciplines turned into a career when she founded DanceBody in 2013. As a ten-year veteran in the wellness industry, Pryce quickly developed a reputation for her compassionate, yet no-nonsense attitude which she applied towards her company culture. She is regularly tapped by Cosmopolitan, Shape, Well+Good, Glamour, Thrive Global, and others as a contributor, offering wellness tips and advice.