Welcome to our six-week SPRING AHEAD PLAN!
Plan Overview
We’re mixing things up a bit for this challenge! This particular plan has been periodized for weekly alternate peaks and valley curves that are focused on a specific goal, such as endurance, strength, core, and more. Each week will vary in intensity and focus, and although the weekly rotation includes sufficient active recovery time, please feel free to add additional stretching, yoga or prehab sessions (along with your daily step count!) as often as you like. Our yoga/stretching DVDs and stretching videos here on YouTube offer some great options to help you continue to fit in flexibility regularly. Please remember that these are simply suggestions and we love for you to tailor our schedules to meet your personal needs and preferences.
It’s important to note that if you are currently going through one of our specific programs (such as our Walk Strong series) for the first time, we do recommend completing the original schedule prior to trying a challenge plan. Our bonus plans and challenges are here to help you continue to make the most out of our library of workouts after you’ve joined us for a few rounds and will remain on our website for easy future access once you are ready for the next step!
How to Make the Most Out of The Plan
If you have a long work week ahead or are feeling a little under the weather, feel free to swap a challenging week for a more moderate one, and/or simply modify or tone down any workout at any time. Conversely, don’t forget to enjoy the moderate waves (they are great for advanced exercisers too!) and up-level anytime you like by increasing your weights, speed or performance of familiar moves you’ve mastered.
By now, you may have done several of these workouts before, which is great! Repetition is a wonderful opportunity to grow — you know what to expect from a routine so you can really push your limits by adding more weight, intensity, speed, form performance, etc. when appropriate. Even seemingly simple workouts can offer a fantastic challenge when we take things to the next level.
Of course, we want you to continue to listen to your body at all times, so even if you are going for the challenge, be sure to honor your body’s needs and back off whenever necessary. We want you to challenge yourself, but always take care of yourself too! (For more help with modifying to meet your needs, please check out our FAQs section at the bottom of the page).
And please don’t forget your daily step goal! Instead of trying to add on more workout time, we want you to continue to walk as often as you can. If you aren’t yet meeting your daily dose of Vitamin ‘W” [walking!], start by simply adding an additional 500 steps per week to gradually work your way up to your personal goal (we suggest eventually aiming for 10-15,000 steps a day if that feels right for you). Our walking DVDs and walking videos here on YouTube are a great way to fit in extra steps if you need a little extra help or motivation or can’t walk outdoors
Finally, please remember one of our favorite phrases, SOMETHING is always better than nothing. On those crazy busy days, or when you just don’t have the energy to do more, check out our 10-Minute-or-Less video playlist and 1-Mile Walk and Talk sessions to help keep you moving when life gets in the way.
Here’s to a sparkling Spring everybody!
YOUR SIX WEEK SPRING AHEAD SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR 6-WEEK SPRING AHEAD PLAN PRINTABLE CALENDAR
Here is your suggested weekly workout line up for the next six weeks (feel free to start your week off with Sunday or Monday as Day 1 – whatever works best for you). We recommend reviewing for the week ahead here on this page so you can see all of the details (such as video links and program titles, etc) for your daily workouts and then using your printable calendar as a way to track your progress. As always, we encourage you to adjust the plan as you see fit to best better your personal needs and preferences (please see the FAQs section below for additional assistance with this).
If you are using your DVD/digital library, you’ll see the following programs included in this rotation (don’t worry if you don’t have them all- you can simply use what you have and mix and match with YouTube options as you see fit): “Walk Strong: 6 Week System”, “Walk Strong 3″, “Walk On: Get Strong!”, “Walk On: 4 Mile Power Walk”, “Walk On: 5 Mix & Match Miles”, “Walk Strong: Build Balance + Inner Strength,” “Walk On: 5 Fat Burning Miles”, Walk On: Metabolism Booster”, “30 Walk On: 30 Day Plan”, “Walk On: Walk Off Belly Fat”, “Cardio Abs”, “Total Body Balance”, “Yoga Fusion Fix”, “Walk Strong: Boost Metabolism & Muscle”, “Gentle Yoga Stretch”, “Walk On: 6 Mile Mix” and “Feel Good Fusion.”
For YouTube, we’ve created a Spring Ahead Plan Playlist here with all of the videos included in this rotation (and here’s the link to our walking playlist for Day 3).
WEEK ONE
Focus: Endurance
Intensity: Moderate
Day 1: CARDIO & COORDINATION
DVD: 30-Minute Cardio Step Jam [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Stride & Step*
*Don’t have a step? You can still follow along without one!
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 2: CARDIO STRENGTH
DVD: 45-Minute Stepping Strength [from our “Walk On: Get Strong!” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Stepping Strength
Day 3: STEADY STATE CARDIO
DVD: Walk On: 4 Mile Power Walk* [full program, if time permits] OR the 4 Mega Miles* (Premix #3) [from our “Walk On: 5 Mix & Match Miles”]
and/or
YouTube: Pick your 4 favorite miles from our playlist here*
*Be sure to add these miles towards today’s daily step count!
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 4: FUSION STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Poise & Grace [from our “Walk Strong: Build Balance + Inner Strength” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Fusion Sculpt
Day 5: CORE, CARDIO & PREHAB
DVD: 30-Minute Barefoot Cardio Core [from our Walk Strong 3 series] and 15-Minute Strong Feet and Ankles Workout [from our “Walk On: 5 Fat Burning Miles” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 26-Minute Cardio Pilates
Day 6: BALANCE & AGILITY
DVD: Balance & Agility [from our “Walk Strong: Build Balance + Inner Strength” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: Fusion Band
Day 7: ACTIVE REST DAY
(Have fun and play! This is also a great day to fit in another stretch or prehab session — feel free to add in any of your favorite routines today if you wish).
WEEK TWO
FOCUS: Strength & Stamina
INTENSITY: Challenge
Day 8: STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Upper Body Strength [from our “Walk Strong” series] OR 35-Minute Upper Body Circuit Walk [from our “Walk On: Metabolism Booster” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 20-Minute Upper Body Strength OR 12-Minute Upper Body Circuit Walk
Day 9: STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Lower Body [from our Walk Strong 3 series] OR 35-Minute Lower Body Circuit Walk [from our “Walk On: Metabolism Booster” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 40-Minute Leg Day Workout OR 11-Minute Buns + Thighs Circuit Walk
Day 10: CARDIO
DVD: 30-Minute Interval Mix [from our “Walk Strong” series]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute HIIT Cardio + Core
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 11: CARDIO SCULPT
DVD: 30-Minute Cardio Interval Sculpt [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Travel Friendly Cardio + Strength Circuit Workout
Day 12: CORE CARDIO
DVD: 30-Minute Cardio Hit! [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: 23-Minute HIIT for Beginners: Kickboxing Interval Training
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 13: STRENGTH
DVD: 40-Minute Strictly Strength [from our “Walk On: Get Strong!” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 20-Minute Total Body Strength
Day 14: ACTIVE REST DAY
(Have fun and play! This is also a great day to fit in another stretch or prehab session — feel free to add in any of your favorite routines today if you wish).
WEEK THREE
FOCUS: Core Centric
INTENSITY: Moderate
Day 15: STEADY STATE CARDIO & CORE
DVD: 30-Minute Fat Blaster [from our “Walk On: 3 Weight Loss Walks” DVD, exclusively available in our 30 Day Plan set] and the Healthy Back Bonus Workout [from our “Walk On: 5 Day Fat Burn” DVD, exclusively available in our 30 Day Plan set]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Power Interval Walk and 12-Minute Better Posture Workout
Day 16: STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Total Body Training [from our Walk Strong: 6 Week System DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Total Body Standing Strength [Prenatal Approved]
Day 17: CARDIO CORE
DVD: 3-Mile Flat Abs Walk [from our “Walk On: Walk Off Belly Fat” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 40-Minute Flat Abs Walk
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 18: STRENGTH
DVD: 28-Minute Total Body Abs Transformer [from our “Cardio Abs” DVD] & OPTIONAL 20-Minute Core Stretch [from our “Total Body Balance” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 20-Minute Single Sided Strength
Day 19: CORE + PREHAB
DVD: 30-Minute Prehab Routine [from our “Walk Strong” series] plus 26-Minute Concentrated Abs [from our “Cardio Abs” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 20-Minute Abs, Back & Core
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 20: STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Tone & Flow [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: 40-Minute Yoga Tone
Day 21: ACTIVE REST DAY
(Have fun and play! This is also a great day to fit in another stretch or prehab session — feel free to add in any of your favorite routines today if you wish).
WEEK FOUR
FOCUS: Stretch & Strength* [*go as heavy as you safely can during your strength sessions this week!]
INTENSITY: Challenge
Day 22: PREHAB & STRENGTH
DVD: 15-Minute Strong Knees and Hips Routine [from our “Walk On: 5 Fat Burning Miles” DVD] plus 30-Minute Total Body [from our Walk Strong 3 series] plus
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Total Body Sculpt
Day 23: STRETCH
DVD: 30-Minute Yoga for Strength & Flexibility [from our “Yoga Fusion Fix” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 8-Minute Standing Stretch
Day 24: STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Upper Focus + 30-Minute Lower Focus, if time permits [from our “Walk Strong: Boost Metabolism & Muscle” DVD]
OR
YouTube: 15-Minute Upper Body Burn + 15-Minute Lower Body Blast
Day 25: STRETCH
DVD: 30-Minute Gentle Yoga for Stability and Mobility [from our “Gentle Yoga Stretch” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Yoga Stretch
Day 26: STRENGTH
DVD: Total Body Training + Streamline Sculpt OPTIONAL: Add On Abs [all from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: 15-Minute Total Body Strength + 10-Minute Cardio Strength Mash Up OPTIONAL: 8-Minute Abs + Back Exercises
Day 27: CARDIO & STRETCH
DVD: Warm Up, Mile 1, 4, 6, Cool Down and Stretch from our “Walk On: 6 Mile Mix” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Power Walk + 5-Minute Fix: Total Body Stretch
Day 28: ACTIVE REST DAY
(Have fun and play! This is also a great day to fit in another stretch or prehab session — feel free to add in any of your favorite routines today if you wish).
WEEK FIVE
FOCUS: Glow & Flow
INTENSITY: Moderate
Day 29: FUSION STRENGTH
DVD: 47-Minute Fusion Strength [from our “Feel Good Fusion” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Yoga Sculpt
Day 30: STEADY STATE CARDIO & PREHAB
DVD: 30-Minute Cardio Party [from our “Walk Strong” series] and 20-Minute Bonus Routine for Stronger Knees [from our “Walk On: Metabolism Booster” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Latin Spice Walk + 8-Minute Total Body Towel Stretch
Day 31: ENDURANCE STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Barre Sculpt [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: 20-Minute Prenatal Total Body Strength Workout [great for non-prenatal exercisers too!]
Day 32: CARDIO & CORE
DVD: 35-Minute Flow Cardio [from our “Feel Good Fusion” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Feel Good Fusion
Day 33: ENDURANCE STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Barefoot Fusion Sculpt [from our “Walk Strong” series]
and/or
YouTube: 40-Minute Fusion Band
Day 34: CORE
DVD: 30-Minute Pilates + Yoga [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: The 26-Minute Rise & Shine Workout
Day 35: ACTIVE REST DAY
(Have fun and play! This is also a great day to fit in another stretch or prehab session — feel free to add in any of your favorite routines today if you wish).
WEEK SIX
FOCUS: Power Push
INTENSITY: Challenge
Day 36: STRENGTH
DVD: 35-Minute Total Focus [from our “Walk Strong: Boost Metabolism & Muscle” DVD]
and/or
YouTube: 30-Minute Strength Training for Women
Day 37: HIIT CARDIO
DVD: Boogie I.T. [from our “Walk Strong” series]
and/or
YouTube: 26-Minute Cardio Bootcamp Boogie
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 38: STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Metabolic Conditioning [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
and/or
YouTube: 35-Minute Cardio Strength Step Circuit
Day 39: CARDIO CORE + FOUNDATIONS
DVD: 30-Minute 360 Abs [from our “Walk Strong” series] plus 30-Minute Foundations [from our Walk Strong 3 series] (can be done in either order – Foundations or 360 Abs first, your preference).
and/or
YouTube: 15-Minute Kickboxing 101
OPTIONAL: Add in a stretch session today!
Day 40: STRENGTH
DVD: 30-Minute Upper Body + 30-Minute Lower Body, if time permits [from our Walk Strong 3 series]
or
YouTube: 30-Minute Total Body Chisel + Burn
Day 41: CARDIO & STRETCH
DVD: 30-Minute Steady, Ready, Go [from “Walk Strong: Burn Fat and Have Fun” DVD] and 30-Minute Dynamic Stretch, if time permits [from our “Total Stretch” DVD]
or
YouTube: 20-Minute Calorie Crushing Cardio and 15-Minute Short and Sweet Stretch
Day 42: ACTIVE REST DAY
(Have fun and play! This is also a great day to fit in another stretch or prehab session — feel free to add in any of your favorite routines today if you wish).
FAQs
How do I make the plan work for me? [ie. What if a workout is too easy or too hard, too short or too long, for my current needs?]
We know that not every workout works for every body. The great news is we have a huge library of workout options available (which can sometimes make it hard to decide what to do!) that offer options to simply or advance the moves, but the daily recommended workout is just that — a recommendation. But, because we’re all working at different levels of fitness with various needs and preferences, we want you to decide what works best for you! You can follow our weekly suggested schedules as a loose guide and feel free to sub in any of your favorite YouTube videos, DVD or digital workout programs.
Too hard? If you are new to exercise or starting back up after a long hiatus, remember to listen to your body and go at your own pace. You may want to sub in one of our more beginner friendly routines any day you find the recommended one a bit too much. Prefer no floor work? Feel free to choose from our vitally floor work free “Walk On” series options [we also have a lot of floor work free or standing only YouTube video options as well].
Too easy? If you have been keeping up with your workouts and going strong, feel free to amp things up by using our advanced modification options, increasing your weights during strength training, or, even adding on additional workout time if that feels right for you. And, please keep in mind that there are several days a week that purposely have you training in your endurance zone, a more moderate intensity that while it may feel ‘easier,’ still offers big health benefits.
We are all about you making this plan work for YOU, without a lot of muss or fuss!
What if I miss a day (or week)?
No big deal! Simply pick up where you left off — there’s no need to start over or feel guilty for not adhering exactly to the schedule [this is NOT an all or nothing program!]. Stay flexible and get back at it as soon as you can. Please remember consistency is key, and our motto is SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN NOTHING, so just do the best you can with what you have, every day. It’s the little daily steps that add up to big lasting results. And for those crazy busy days, or when you just don’t have the energy to do more, check out our 10-Minute-or-Less video playlist and 1-Mile Walk and Talk sessions to help keep you moving when life gets in the way.
What’s next after this?
You may want to join us for one of our complete programs, try our updated master rotation calendars, or put together your own personal plan using our plug & play weekly suggestions here. And we will be heading into our Core Week plan next – you check it out here anytime!
What do I need to do to participate?
All you need to do is follow along with our suggested schedules (making adjustments as needed to meet your needs, of course). We also recommend inviting a friend (or two) to join you and/or checking in with the rest of our community so that we can all help cheer each other on and offer support along the way! Feel free to check in with us and the rest of our community on social media (be sure to tag @JESSICASMITHV and let us know that you are joining us for the Spring Ahead Plan!) — we’re all in this together!
You can find us on:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your profession and for sharing inspirational, fun, and sneaky hard workouts with us free on you tube and with optional DVD and downloads….I have purchased almost all your DVDs. I am 64 and workout daily. Your workouts are integral to my continued fitness and as I get older, the fusion, balance, and dynamic and prehab stretching have become regularly infused in my workouts, on days I don’t strength train. I use your youtube workouts when I travel and and at home. Thank you for the countless options you provide for really anyone and any situation. I often have people ask me, how do I get started on fitness, and I always say jessicasmithtv.com! No excuses.
Thank YOU, Karen! <3 Congrats to you on all of your hard work and dedication - you are an inspiration! Thank you so much for moving with us and for being a valued member of our community. We're so glad you are here 🙂
Thank you for your awesome 40 minute Cardio chair workout! I am almost a year out from knee replacement surgery. I found this workout as an alternative to other workouts that require a lot of jumping. Let me tell you it is a welcome challenge. I am down 50 lbs since September and plan to keep it going. Thank you.
Thank you Jessica for setting up the spring challenge and laying it all out for us….I have been in a blah exercise rut and I wasn`t motivated to workout but I did your 4 week fusion rotation and now I am excited again to be working out. You and Peanut make working out fun again and I thank you….I am starting the spring challenge Monday and can`t wait….
Yay! So happy to hear you will be joining us, Joann! Thanks so much for moving with us. We’re so glad you are here 🙂
I can’t even begin to tell you what a difference your workouts have made to me! I’ve now lost half a stone and my body shape has def improved and changed ❤️ feeling so much better about myself ❤️ thank you Jessica!
#quarantined Thanks to you and peanut, working out with you has definitely changed my outlook on the future. Now if we can just go back out into the world all will be great!
I LOVE THESE MONTHLY CHALLENGES! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much for this! Wrapping up this challenge tomorrow and so proud to say I didn’t miss a day!! I plan to do the February Fusion plan next since I didn’t do that one yet. Looking forward to continue to workout with you (and Peanut, of course 😉 )
Just read this!
I am going to start my six week workout schedule tomorrow.
Really, thank you for taking the time to set up a workout schedule like this. I have been exercising with you, Jessica for a long time. This will be the first time I have joined in a challenge. Thank you for all you do! I love Peanut.
Hi from germany,
been exercising with your DVD last year and lost about 14 pounds….now I´m starting again and hope to get fitter and loose some weight again…..your dcds are the best
I have been following you for a long time. I’m so excited to begin this challenge. I know I’m going to get good results.
Thanks so much for moving with us Lisa! So glad you will be joining us for the Spring Ahead Challenge 🙂
I just added Walk Strong 3: 8 Week Fitness Program, Get Strong, 4 Mile Power Walk and Gentle Yoga Stretch to my Jessica Smith DVD Collection. Now, I can mix and match anytime between all the workouts – Yeah! With these workouts, I can honestly say, I do love to work out! And I enjoy the challenges to see just how fit and healthy I can be!
Yay! Love to hear that you love to work out — that’s fantastic, Victoria! Please keep up the great work you are doing taking care of your body and your health! Thanks so much for moving with us 🙂
I started the challenge late as I was doing Jumpstart again. Enjoyed Jumpstart and Four Weeks of Fusion and have just begun week 2 of Spring Ahead.
I really like how each challenge is different and gives us a variety of ways to surprise our bodies. I love waking up each morning to a different day if workouts.
Thanks Jessica I can’t begin to describe how amazing you are for doing this for us.
So glad you are joining us for the Spring Ahead plan too Jackie Mc! Thanks so much for sparkling with us each day. Keep up the great work 🙂
Joining from week 2 , trying to get into a routine and stay accountable. Thanks Jessica Smith for this Challenge
Enjoying spring ahead challenge, just done 26 minute Cardio Pilates, wow! Much harder than it looks but definitely do-able. Has made me consider other Pilates workouts!
Jessica, thank you so much for the Spring Challenge. Your schedules keep me on track and I truly love getting up each morning and working out with you! Thank you!
Hi. I’d love to join the Spring Challenge. Is there an app or any place to follow the DVD routine of the day if I have not purchased the program?
Hi Anne Marie! We’ve included direct links to the free YouTube videos for each day’s routine if you do not have the DVD used for the day. Hope that helps 🙂
I really enjoy the challenges. I really like NOT having to pick routines and having everything set up for me. Thanks!! looking forward the this new one!
There’s a place for you in heaven Jessica. Loving your work – and I agree – if you get an app going……. Wow, that would be amazing!
Plan downloaded for future attention. My cast was removed today and the break is healing well. I’m now in a clunky moon boot. Noticed the muscle wasting after 4 weeks in a cast. I’ll definitely need quite a bit of physio and rehab ????
I’m totally in and I’m so excited!
Thank you Jessica!!
I’m looking forward to the Spring Ahead Challenge!
I am so in!! It is mid March and at minimum 10 lbs (20 max) needs to go but more so, I want to want to exercise again!
I am just about to finish this challenge. I love the structure of having a plan on what to do each day. It saves me from having to decide what to do. I am seeing so much change in my body and building muscle. Thanks for these great workouts
This is going to be a great challenge! I am so in!
I love all of the Jessica Smith programs! Thank you for inspiring so many and teaching us it is about progress not perfection! I also want to thank community member Jennifer S. for making all of thesr wonderful PDFs! They work great for me!
I am so excited for another workout plan! I’ve been doing my own for the last couple of weeks but I love the ones you provide because I know you are providing a complete workout plan that will challenge me. Thanks Jessica 🙂
Thanks Jessica for this Challenge! I love them! and it’s a blessing to have both paid DVD’s & free YouTube videos!! you are the only one I know of that offers such a diversity & not charge a lot of money like other trainers do!! So I truly & sincerely appreciate it!! ???????????? God bless u always, for your hard work! and thank you! Love love working out with you, your mom & Beth? Love u! ????❣️????????.
Thank you for providing both paid and free options. Have you thought about an app? I’ve paid for full fitness programs way too many times and given up. I would love to have an options for around $10 monthly where I could have everything contained in an app.
Ooooooh Jessica, an app, that would be fantastic!
Thanks for quick response. When I was printing it out noticed that there are two sets of Days 22 – 28 (Week Four and Week Five). Routines are different but numbering is off. Thanks again!
Oopsie! Thanks so much for your help catching those Felecia! Everything should be all updated correctly now but if notice anything else please let us know so we can fix it asap 🙂
Thanks so much for the quick fixes! Can’t wait to get started!! And love, love your new DVDs (4 Mile Power Walk and Get Strong).
Jessica,
I anxiously await these challenges and love working out with you and all your team. I noticed that “Day 4” is missing from the above list. Can the challenge be updated so we don’t miss one day? Thanks!
Thank you, Thank you for the Spring Ahead Challenge.. Not having to think about my exercise rotation is a gift..
Hey… Thank you for the great routine.. BTW, Day 4 from week 1 is missing.. Is it an active rest day as well?
SO EXCITED for this new challenge! I’ve done both the January and February rotations and was feeling lost as to what to do every day when they were done. I really appreciate having the workouts planned out for me. Thanks again, Jessica, for putting in the time and effort to plan out my next 6 weeks!! I LOVE working out with you every day. I am really getting back into a good routine and hope to get my diet under control next! You really inspire me to get moving!