Summer Fitness Tips

Aaahhhh. Summer’s here and the living is easy…maybe a little too easy. Sometimes the lazy days of summer make us slack off on our fitness routines. It’s too hot to work out. That hammock looks mighty comfy. And how about some homemade ice cream? Summer is no time to let down.

• Set some attainable goals. Find a 5k race or fund-raising walk and sign up. Your goal is not to win but to get the discipline that’ll help you stick to an exercise plan.
• Go outside. There’s always something out there that you’ll love doing that also gets you fit. For example, after the first few falls, you might enjoy rollerblading. Remember when you were a kid and spent hours at the pool? Be sure to use sunscreen and swim laps during adult swim. Cavort with your kids in the shallow end.
• Is your routine killing you? Kill the routine. Try mixing up your activities to keep yourself interested. How about; Monday: tennis with the family; Tuesday: weight training; Wednesday: Tai Chi; Thursday: jogging; Friday: bike ride with the kids in the evening.
• Try working out first thing in the morning. Exercising in the morning can decrease your appetite and help your body burn calories all day long. Try to walk, jog, swim etc. at the start of each day to jump-start your metabolism.
• Not enough hours in the day? Try three 10-minute sessions at different times of the day — maybe 10 minutes of cycling in the morning, a 10-minute walk at lunch and a 10-minute jog in the evening. It’s an easy way to keep your metabolism going.
• Take advantage of the temperate weather. Do the things you can’t during the colder months, such as hiking, water-skiing, biking.
• Circuit train at your local park. Many of them have exercise paths with fitness stations along the way. For example, you might power walk for 20 yards and find a sign that tells you to do 10 pushups.

While you want to stay fit during the summer, you also want to stay safe and healthy. Here are some tips to keep your energy up and exhaustion at bay.

• Avoid exercising midday when the heat and humidity are greatest.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Wear loose clothing (made of cotton or sweat-wicking material).
• Wear sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses to avoid direct sunlight.
• Acclimate yourself slowly — chances are you will not be able to exercise as much in the heat.