Working-In Your Summer Work Out!

Summer means great opportunities to have cook-outs with family and friends, picnics on the lake, family reunions, Memorial Day, 4th of July celebrations, Labor Day celebrations, summer Cruises and many more. Even though we are more active in the summer in some ways, because of the heat, we often avoid the long walks and moderate exercise that helps keep our weight down. It is hard to work-in your work out!

We have to be careful in the summer because of the possibility of Extreme Heat Related Illness and Death. So as we go about our summer activities we need to stay out of the heat in the middle of the day. Weight management is possible and necessary.

Keep your exercise fun and varied during the summer. Swim one day, walk the next, play a game with the kids on another. Adults need to have about 30 minutes a day in moderate exercise while children need about 60 minutes. Wear comfortable lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses when doing any work out outside along with a wide brim hat.

Walking is a great way to keep moving in the summer heat. You can walk in the early mornings, late evenings, and even at the local mall. Some of my friends combine shopping at the big warehouse stores with a bit of exercise! Just grab a buggy/shopping cart/basket and walk the aisles for half an hour before you begin your purchases. Drop in a heavy bag of cat litter or dog food to add some resistance as you get your exercise. Grab some water on your way out and pop in a Cinch Tea packet for an afternoon boost! Stay hydrated.

Now, remember a little sun is good for you, you need the Vitamin D, so don’t apply Sunscreen for about 15 minutes each time you go out so you get a small amount of sunshine several days a week. But don’t Sunburn, since according to the CDC, sunburn is bad for your skin as well as makes it hard for your body to regulate your temperature as you go about outdoor activities.

Even on that summer Cruise with all those tempting meals 24/7 you can keep a weather eye on your weight. You don’t have to deny yourself those special treats while you are on that once a year vacation or cruise. Just take advantage of the gym and the promenade deck on the ship for walks and jogs. The gyms at sea are really sophisticated now, with state-of–the art work out equipment. Many ships offer instruction in Yoga, Palliates, low impact aerobics and dance. Take advantage of shore excursions that have moderate to higher excretion involved. And push outs work too. Push out from the dessert table! I know that is hard to do, but enjoy your meals, just don’t overdo! Moderation is rewarded.

So enjoy your summer! Eat those favored summer foods; add some more salads and fresh home grown tomatoes and fresh fruits for great meals. Stay healthy and safe by following common sense and keep moving!