The thought of wearing summer clothing makes many people think seriously about fitness. Summer offers many exercise options for those of varying fitness levels. The season also presents safety concerns when it comes to exercising. Assess your personal fitness level and style to find the best way to stay fit during the hot summer months. Include the entire family to establish an active lifestyle.
Get Outside
The warm temperatures of the summer months lure many people outdoors for fitness activities. Outdoor fitness options during summer include swimming, tennis, golf, volleyball, hiking, walking and running. Work in fitness during your normal summer activities by exploring your surroundings, running around at the park or playing a pickup game in the backyard. The warm weather provides an opportunity to try a new activity such as surfing, rollerblading or kayaking. Even yoga works well outdoors.
Safety
Exercising outdoors also presents some health dangers, particularly when temperatures rise significantly. Take precautions to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke when you head outdoors for fitness reasons. Start with a strong sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe: lighter-colored clothing in lightweight fabrics offer a cooler option. Drink plenty of water as you exercise and after you finish your workout. Watch for signs of distress when exercising in the heat, symptoms such as feeling dizzy, headache, cramps, fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, weak heartbeat and cool, pale skin. Get out of the sun immediately and cool off if these symptoms occur.
Active Vacations
Summer is prime time for vacations. Turn your vacation into an active endeavor to get the most fitness value out of it. Any vacation destination can include some element of fitness by walking around and exploring, and choosing active excursions such as hiking or bicycling. Many cruise ships include rock-climbing walls, fitness classes and other active options to stay fit while on board. Pack your workout clothes and a few pieces of light equipment such as an exercise mat or resistance bands in your luggage. Seeing these items will remind you to stay active while you're away from home.
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