Health Tips for Moms – Stay Active and Beat the Heat this Summer
The sultry weather may seem like the perfect excuse to skip your daily workout. After all, who likes to sweat when you can relax in chilled comfort! Here are a few creative health tips to stay fit and active when the sun gets too hot to handle. (And no, they do not include boring treadmill workouts.)
Summer Health Tip #1 - Race the Sun
Set your alarm for an early morning workout and head out-of-doors for a soothing yoga session. Or go for a bike ride in a shady area. If you prefer walking, how about an early morning walk in the park or a quiet lane? Take your dog or partner along and make it a part of your routine. Feeling more adventurous? Go swimming at dawn. This also happens to be a healthy family activity that your kids are likely to enjoy. Early mornings are great for doing chores too – gardening or yard work will burn those calories effortlessly and you won’t even have to work up a sweat. It’s a win-win for you: start the day with a healthy work-out and beat the heat like a pro!
Summer Health Tip #2 – Use Water as an Exercise Buddy
Running outdoors is as adrenaline-pumping as it gets, but not when it’s scorching. So here's a great alternative– run when it rains. Check the weather news and if rain is in the forecast, put on your running shoes and get going! Summer showers are very refreshing and they cool you off like nothing else can. But if rain doesn’t seem like a possibility, sign up for a water aerobics class at your local gym or try something new and exciting like water volleyball or paddle-boarding. You might even like to hit a water park once in a while. It’ll make a nice change from your usual sweaty workout routine and spur you on if ever you’re tempted to take a day off.
Summer Health Tip #3 – Hit the Mall
This works well for days when it’s too hot to go for a walk outside but you really need that exercise. Hit an air-conditioned mall with a friend and window shop as much as you like. Try out some nice outfits, shop for groceries and have a blast! No risk of overheating or sunstroke and your heart will be grateful for the exercise. So why not make it a lunchtime fixture? This is one summer workout you’ll actually look forward to!
Summer Health Tip #4 – Cool off with the Kids
Remember those crazy childhood games that used to make summer so much fun? Make the hot weather your excuse to turn the clock back and play an exciting game of flashlight tag or have a water balloon fight with the kids. Run around the house with a squirt gun at the ready or play hopscotch in the backyard. Fancy playing hide and seek in the dark? Or would you rather keep the kids entertained with a round of Duck Duck Goose? Childhood games burn calories and keep you active like nothing else!
Whatever form of summer exercise you choose, remember to stay well-hydrated and slather on the sunscreen before venturing out.
