Facts on Summer Workouts

1. Take Fitness Outdoors

The sun is out and the temperature is rising. It's time to get off the treadmill and out of the gym. Move your workout outside it changes things up and helps prevent boredom. There are plenty of outdoor settings to choose from. If you live near a beach, jogging in the sand provides extra toning for your legs. Go for a hike in the mountains which provide a nice shady setting for a workout. Get creative and use what's around you. Even your local park may be a good place to workout. Use the park benches for tricep dips and step-ups. Do chin-ups on the monkey bars. Bike on park trails.

2. Dive Into Summer Workouts

Although there are lots of outdoor exercise activities to chose from nothing beats a water workout in the summer. Swimming provides a good cardiovascular workout, tones the muscles and is easy on the joints. Another in-pool option to consider is water aerobics. Find organized classes at community pools, recreation centers and health clubs. Other ways to enjoy the water and get good exercise is by rowing or canoeing.

3. Dress the Part

When you workout in the summer it's important to wear the right clothes to help your body stay cool. Stick with light colored clothing which absorbs less heat than darker colors. Clothing should be loose anything too tight will interfere with sweat evaporating and cooling your body. Consider wearing a hat to help prevent sunburn. Most importantly don't forget the sunscreen. Use a sunscreen that has a SPF of at least 25 and is sweat proof. Keep in mind even sweat proof sunscreens may come off with heavy sweating. If possible reapply it halfway through your workout.

4. Drink up During Exercise

Staying well hydrated not only will help prevent dehydration but it may improve your performance. As you exercise you sweat and that fluid needs to be replaced. Water is usually your best bet. Sports drinks are another option. Colas have caffeine which can contribute to dehydration. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages which also cause dehydration. Drink a glass of water before your workout and drink frequently when exercising outdoors even if you don't feel thirsty.

5. Beat the Heat

It's important to be smart about summer exercise. Avoid heat related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In addition to staying well hydrated, avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day which is usually between 10 and 3. Give your body time to adjust to the warm weather. Spot sighs of heat related illnesses and get out of the heat and cool off. Symptoms of heat illness are muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, nausea and a headache.