Summer is here, which means that record highs are in the forecast. A change in seasons affects the weather in most areas of the country, making it challenging to work out with the sun beating down on you outdoors. It doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a good run or jog. It does, however, require you to take into account the hottest hours of the day and come up with solutions that allow you to beat the heat while still working on your fitness.
Make Your Health and Happiness a Priority
With a little practice, you’ll be able to finetune your current routine, making it ideal for summer. You won’t even necessarily need to switch things up entirely. A little creative thinking and applied knowledge, however, helps you maintain good health during the hottest months of the year without sacrifice. You’ll be able to avoid setbacks such as heat exhaustion, sunburn, and heatstroke.
Here are some ways to make adapting to your new summer fitness routine easier:
- Remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You’re going to be working toward and maintaining a fit body the duration of your adult life. That’s why it’s so important to pace yourself especially when weather conditions threaten your health. It doesn’t make sense to do an outdoor workout when the sun is its hottest which is 3 PM. Instead, working out earlier or later in the day or switching to the indoor gym on days where the temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit and hotter makes sense. If you make yourself ill because of the heat, you won’t feel like working out for several days.
- Make hydration a priority. Sweating more means that you’ll need to diligently replace lost fluids by drinking more water. Carrying a water bottle with you while working out is imperative. It shouldn’t be in your car. It needs to be on you at all times. If you’re concerned about it getting in the way of your workout, invest in a CamelBak or similar wearable hydration system. Strap it to your back and run, bike or hike. You can do so without inhibition or the fear of dehydration setting in. You’ll be able to sip from the straw attached to the backpack without tying up your hands and making it hard to run, lift or climb.
- Spend money on new gear. You’ll feel more compelled to get up and move when you feel well-prepared physically. Think about the clothing that feels best to run, do yoga or lift in. Then invest in a few new pieces as a way of ushering in summer. You’ll feel more comfortable and unrestricted as you exercise. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that help you remain cool even when temperatures are not. It serves as a motivation, too, on the days where you don’t feel like going outdoors for a workout. You’ll feel like a million bucks in your new gear which helps fuel your physical activities going forward.
- Schedule something fun to do in place of your standard workout. Visit a local rock climbing wall with your friends. Play a game of basketball with your kids. Try surfing for the first time. Do something that you normally don’t do at least once every couple of weeks. It’s a great way to break up the monotony of routine and get exposed to new forms of exercise. If you find yourself hitting a plateau in the progress that you’re making, it’s time to explore your options and get involved differently in the physical activities you engage in.
- Challenge yourself by working out in a different area of the city. That way, things don’t become too standard for you. You’ll step out of your comfort zone and engage your brain in new ways to adapt to your environment. You’ll be exposed to new sights, sounds, and sensations as well as different people than the ones you encounter outdoors in your normal workout spot. Keeping your brain and your body healthy requires creativity and a willingness to try new things so that you can engage your mind and gain greater clarity in the process.
- Find a way to help others in need while being physically active. Doing good for others feels incredibly good. It benefits your body, mind, and soul. Signing up to run a marathon that raises funds and awareness about a cause that is near and dear to your heart is one way to get involved. Offering to help a group or organization pick up litter from public spaces or assist with the creation of a community garden are other options that await you. Increase your health and well-being while being of service to others. It’s a great way to add variety to your current summer fitness routine.
There are many ways to challenge yourself to do things differently in the summer. By following the suggestions on the list, you’re allowing yourself to step into a new routine with fewer reservations. You’re able to explore your options fully and even have a fun time doing so. Keeping your mind and schedule open allows you to stretch yourself physically, mentally, and energetically.
Make it a point to try something new each week. Doing so gives you several months to acquaint yourself with additional activities that could become a part of your daily routine. The more you’re exposed to things that you’ve never tried before, the more you’ll find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone and structuring your schedule in a way that invites more excitement and adventure into your day-to-day plans.
Give Your Mind, Body, and Soul the Opportunity to Thrive This Season
Summer poses a different type of challenge for you physically. If you’re used to working out and training outdoors, the soaring temperatures become an obstacle. Rather than forgo your current exercise routine, why not make a few adaptations to make it more comfortable and safer for you to continue doing? A few simple tweaks are all it takes to create a summer fitness routine that challenges your mind, body, and soul.