It's the summer season and time to think about eating well and
getting in plenty of activity. If you haven't been very active this
year, now is the time to get out and enjoy the warmth and the sunshine.
Developing a routine of regular physical activity is important for both
your physical and mental well being. And what better time to either
build or refine your routine than the long, warm days of summer. Here
are some tips to having a healthy, productive season of activity:
Mind the temperature- Considering that it can get dangerously hot in many places during the summer, it's important to choose your activities wisely and to get out during the right time of day to prevent heat stroke and dehydration. The early morning and early to late evening are usually the best times to get outside since afternoon temperatures can often reach dangerous highs. If you must work out in the heat of the day, try to do so in a shady area. Otherwise, you're better off going to the gym or waiting until the sun is lower in the sky.
Focus on a balanced diet- Eating well is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is a great way to feel a little better during the day. Whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean meats are good alternatives to the high fat, sodium packed food that we all sometimes use to fuel our day. Portion size is also important to good digestive health and balanced consumption. Too much at once and your body is going to expend a lot of energy digesting and you'll feel bloated and weighed down; too little and you won't have the blood glucose level to stay motivated and keep exercising. A good idea is to keep some healthy snacks on hand (like dried fruit or nuts) between meals to maintain good energy.
Stretch well and choose a fulfilling activity- Before you go running a triathlon or hiking the highest mountain in sight, make sure you warm your muscles up with a solid stretching routine. Never underestimate the power of stretching before any physical activity--you'll always perform better. Don't worry if you're not that flexible--just take it slow and gradually increase your flexibility. When it comes to finding your niche, you only need to dedicate yourself activities that interest you and give you satisfaction. Whether its hiking, jogging, racquetball, rock climbing,or yoga, you'll be more likely to maintain an active lifestyle if you're passionate about the activity--don't force it too much.
Outfit Yourself- Wearing the right exercise apparel will help you perform in whatever activity you're doing. You don't have to spend a small fortune on clothing, but having a selection of comfortable shoes and quality workout apparel will help you feel better about your performance. The point is to be comfortable and feel good about being active.
Mind the temperature- Considering that it can get dangerously hot in many places during the summer, it's important to choose your activities wisely and to get out during the right time of day to prevent heat stroke and dehydration. The early morning and early to late evening are usually the best times to get outside since afternoon temperatures can often reach dangerous highs. If you must work out in the heat of the day, try to do so in a shady area. Otherwise, you're better off going to the gym or waiting until the sun is lower in the sky.
Focus on a balanced diet- Eating well is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is a great way to feel a little better during the day. Whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean meats are good alternatives to the high fat, sodium packed food that we all sometimes use to fuel our day. Portion size is also important to good digestive health and balanced consumption. Too much at once and your body is going to expend a lot of energy digesting and you'll feel bloated and weighed down; too little and you won't have the blood glucose level to stay motivated and keep exercising. A good idea is to keep some healthy snacks on hand (like dried fruit or nuts) between meals to maintain good energy.
Stretch well and choose a fulfilling activity- Before you go running a triathlon or hiking the highest mountain in sight, make sure you warm your muscles up with a solid stretching routine. Never underestimate the power of stretching before any physical activity--you'll always perform better. Don't worry if you're not that flexible--just take it slow and gradually increase your flexibility. When it comes to finding your niche, you only need to dedicate yourself activities that interest you and give you satisfaction. Whether its hiking, jogging, racquetball, rock climbing,or yoga, you'll be more likely to maintain an active lifestyle if you're passionate about the activity--don't force it too much.
Outfit Yourself- Wearing the right exercise apparel will help you perform in whatever activity you're doing. You don't have to spend a small fortune on clothing, but having a selection of comfortable shoes and quality workout apparel will help you feel better about your performance. The point is to be comfortable and feel good about being active.
