Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/370174
24 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014 Getting Fit By George Sommerrock, Fitness Programs Manager L E F T T O R I G H T: L U K E R U TA N ( 2 ) , C H R I S J O S E P H K A L I N K O Don't let your fitness fall back Keep your summer fitness momentum rolling by mixing up your workouts N othing beats summer sunshine when it comes to motivating us to get outside and get active—and we've had great stretches of motivation this summer! As fall moves in, many exercise routines may move indoors, but that doesn't mean you have to fall back into the same old, uninspiring routines. If you tend to get bored and unmotivated this time of year, then it's time to mix up your routine. Adding variety to your workouts will keep you challenged physically and mentally. ere are lots of ways to spice up your fitness. VARY CARDIO EXERCISES AND ACTIVITIES Vary your speeds and inclines on the cardio equipment. Maybe try a new, less- conventional group fitness class, like the hybrid Cy-TRX (indoor cycling meets TRX body-weight-suspension training) or aqua boot camp (water exercises combined with land-based strength exercises). CHANGE UP YOUR TRAINING TECHNIQUES So you've learned to change the number of repetitions and the amount of weight you can push and pull. Now try a compound set in your weight lifting. In other words, work multiple muscle groups together with little or no rest periods. Or you can turn up that internal heat and spike your metabolism by mixing in boot camp workouts or boxing conditioning, a high-intensity interval training workout without any extra weights. If it's personalized fine-tuning you want, the change in season is a great time to re-establish your goals with one of the WAC's personal trainers. Or you could try Xcelerate, a small-group training program with high-octane benefits offered several days and times of the week. DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE (AND STRETCH) Maybe you just need a vacation from your vacation? Or maybe you want to re-live it? Keep the calm in a yoga or Pilates Mat class. Core, balance, and flexibility are essential elements of any fitness program. A private session with a yoga or Pilates instructor can give you individualized attention as well as a gentle refresher on proper form and technique. You don't have to change everything, of course, but the idea is to keep your body challenged and strong through different exercises and programs. at way you can continue to feel healthy and see results, no matter the season. Don't fret about losing the summer sun; there are plenty of great indoor workout options this fall at the WAC. #WACFITNESS: FALL CHALLENGE Beat that autumn letdown by signing up for #WACFITNESS, our fall fitness challenge! From September 1–October 27, you can be part of an exciting incentive program that allows you to explore the WAC's many fitness activities. For each challenge completed, your name will get entered into a prize drawing. There will be a celebration and more prizes at the end. Registration is rolling. Register with Coed Fitness at coed@wac.net, 206.464.3098.