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Spring Into Fitness!

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Active & Fit Direct |

Between the holidays and the cold weather, winter has a knack for disrupting the regular workout routines of even the most dedicated athletes. With spring’s arrival, what better time to get back into the swing of things? But as we all know, this can be easier said than done. So here are 5 tips to help you get back on track with your routine—and stay there.

  1. Set realistic, short-term goals—and track your progress. Without goals, motivation can tank in a hurry. But goals that are too lofty can weaken your resolve. So choose goals that are realistic. And in a reasonable time frame. Then track your results with a wearable device, a smartphone app, or a journal. Tracking helps you see your progress—and that’s a great motivator.
  2. Set up cues that prompt you to get active. Pack your gym bag and set it by the front door. Schedule workout reminders on your phone, computer, or calendar. Keep a pair of tennis shoes at work or in the car. Set dumbbells or resistance bands by the TV. These cues can help prompt active habits.
  3. Get support from others. Ask your family and friends to join you in being more active. Team up with a workout buddy. Or join a fitness class or running group. Social support can keep you accountable and can make being active more fun. 
  4. Keep it fun and interesting. Pack your fitness plan with activities that you enjoy—you’re much more likely to stick with your routine if you do. And change up your routine if you get bored. When you want to make a change, keep "FITT," frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise. in mind. Changing any of these elements keeps your routine challenging.
  5. Reward yourself when you meet a goal. Choose healthy rewards like a trip to the movies, new workout gear, or spending time on a hobby you love. Don’t forget the real rewards of being active, too. Rewards like feeling better, sleeping better, performing daily tasks with greater ease, and having more energy.

If you haven’t been active in a while or have any health issues, talk with your doctor before you start to get active again or make changes to your fitness routine. Then ease back into your workout routine slowly. Add a little more time and intensity each week. This can help you avoid injuries. Before you know it, you’ll be back into the swing of your workout routine.

AAA members can earn 10% of their Active&Fit Direct membership fees back after 12 months in the program!

With the Active&Fit Direct™ program, you can find your perfect gym from thousands of options nationwide. Not only that, but you’ll receive one-on-one, goal-oriented well-being coaching in areas such as fitness, nutrition, stress management, and sleep. Your spouse or domestic partner can also sign up for their own membership through your account.* Plus, when you register, you’ll get access to 14,000+ free on-demand workout videos. The Active&Fit Direct program is available through many health plans employers, and associations.

 

References
American College of Sports Medicine. (2015). Finding your motivation for exercise. https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/files-for-resource-library/finding-your-motivation-for-exercise.pdf?sfvrsn=e8037a1b_2
American Council on Exercise. (2025, January 28). How to make a regular in 6 steps. https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/7839/how-to-make-exercise-a-regular-habit-in-6-steps/
American Council on Exercise. (2024, August 2). Sticking to an exercise program: 25 tips to achieve exercise success. https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/8704/sticking-to-an-exercise-program-25-tips-to-achieve-exercise-success/
Kaushal, N., & Rhodes, R. E. (2015). Exercise habit formation in new gym members: A longitudinal study. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38(4), 652-663. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-015-9640-7
Kaushal N, Rhodes RE, Meldrum JT, Spence JC. The role of habit in different phases of exercise. Br J Health Psychol. 2017;22(3):429-448. doi:10.1111/bjhp.12237

*Add a spouse/domestic partner to a primary membership for additional monthly fees. Spouses/domestic partners must be 18 years or older. Fees will vary based on fitness center selection.
M966-982A 3/25 © 2025 American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). All rights reserved. The Active&Fit Direct program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of ASH. Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logos are trademarks of ASH. Other names or logos may be trademarks of their respective owners. Standard fitness center and premium studio participation varies by location and is subject to change. Other restrictions may apply based on location of your selected fitness center. On-demand workout videos are subject to change. ASH reserves the right to modify any aspect of the Program (including, without limitation, the Enrollment Fee(s), the Monthly Fee(s), any future Annual Maintenance fees, and/or the Introductory Period) at any time per the terms and conditions. If we modify a fee or make a material change to the Program, we will provide you with no less than 30 days’ notice prior to the effective date of the change. We may discontinue the Program at any time upon advance written notice. The persons featured may not be Active&Fit Direct members