So I am going to take a step back today and let someone else do the blogging. I was contacted my GaiamTV to ask if they could do a guest post on the blog and I thought it was a great idea! Gaiam TV gives you access to tons of videos on topics from fitness and yoga to happiness and relationships. I will be trying out a trial membership with their site (which I sadly have not had the time to take advantage of yet) and I will do a full review post later on with my thoughts on it.
When asked what topic the guest post should be on, I immediately thought of the workout ruts I often get stuck in and suggested writing some information about how to switch up your workout routine, especially during the summer months. So, here are some summer workout tips by Julie Winters, let me know what you guys think!
Tips for Summer-izing Your Workout
Summer is a great time to focus on fitness. Whether you're a diehard exerciser already or you're jumping on the fitness bandwagon for the first time, the warmer weather and longer days of summer can help make your workouts easier and more fun. That, in turn, can help you stick to your fitness regimen and stay motivated to work out.
Summer can bring some challenges to working out, however. Sun, heat and the temptations of the beach or evening happy hours can all shake your resolve. Don't worry; a few tips for summer-izing your workout routine will get you past those obstacles to maximize on the benefits of summer exercise.
Summer can bring some challenges to working out, however. Sun, heat and the temptations of the beach or evening happy hours can all shake your resolve. Don't worry; a few tips for summer-izing your workout routine will get you past those obstacles to maximize on the benefits of summer exercise.
Get Outside!
* Try an outdoor sport. This tip is perhaps the most obvious. Summer almost begs you to ditch the indoor treadmills and elliptical machines in favor of fresh air and sunshine. If the warm weather, bright sun and blue sky beckons you, don't skip your usual workout altogether. Instead, lace up your running or walking shoes, dig out those inline skates or round up some friends for beach volleyball or a game of tennis. A bike ride is another fun way to exercise outside. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors and burn calories, too!
* Be smart about the sun. Depending on where you live, summer may be sweltering. That's no reason to avoid working out. Get creative with your exercise schedule to avoid the hottest part of the day. This may mean getting up early for a sunrise walk or run; alternatively, you could exercise outside in the evening. Even if the sun is still up, its rays won't be as blazing and strong as they are at noon.
* Join a class. If you've been to a gym lately, you may have noticed that outdoor fitness classes are a big trend in the workout world right now. Why not? Many fitness classes are easily conducive to outdoor settings, and a different environment can make exercise more fun. Outdoor yoga, strength training and boot camp-type classes are especially popular when the weather is good. Look for opportunities through local gyms, recreation centers, or start your own.
Combine Summer Fun and Exercise
* Exercise with your friends. One of the best parts of summer is socializing with friends at the beach, by the pool or on the patio. While these social activities are fun and can be a relaxing part of anyone's summer schedule, consider shaking up your socializing by making some of your get-togethers into workout sessions. A good walk-and-talk with friends or run along the beach with a pal can make summer exercise not just healthy but entertaining, too. What a great way to make a summer workout more fun!
* Get competitive--even if it's just with yourself. Have you ever watched a 5K run or charity walk and wondered if you could do that too? Summer is an ideal time to try. Challenge yourself by signing up for a race, charity bike ride or any other fitness event that will get you out in that beautiful summer weather and test your determination. Even if you're only competing with yourself to set a new PR or even just to get to the finish line, a race or ride will challenge your fitness and increase your self-esteem.
* Schedule your workouts like social events on the calendar. Schedule them at a time of day that doesn’t conflict with all of the fun summer social activities so you’ll be less likely to ditch your workout in favor of a party. Schedule hikes and outdoor boot camps with friends as you would your social gatherings. If time is short, download a quick workout video online, and squeeze in 30 minutes at home. Many workouts can be done with no equipment and just your own body weight. Something is better than nothing, and eliminating travel time could be the difference between doing a workout and skipping it.
The most important part about working out in summer is simply to be consistent. With the tips above, you'll be inspired to embrace those warm-weather workouts and relish the season while keeping yourself fit and healthy.
Julie Winters is a wellness coach and works with GaiamTV. She likes go change up her own workouts with every season to keep them challenging and different.
I personally have been taking my yoga mat outside on nice days and practicing out there, but I want to try some new workouts just to keep it fun. I would love suggestions!
What are your favourite summer workouts?
How do you switch up your workouts when you start to get bored?
