Health Tip of the Month
Sweating It Out – Staying Physically Active During the Summer
Finally we have left behind the cold and gloomy days that are the Michigan winter! The sun is shining, blue skies
are back, and the land is once again green. Summer is a great time to be outside, move our bodies, maybe dust off the
old ten-speed, and enjoy some quality outdoor time with our loved ones. But the summer can present its own unique
challenges to staying physically active. Here are some tips to help you make your summer a fun and active one.
Beat the Heat
Hot summer days are less than inviting when it comes to exercise. Instead of parking yourself in front of the fan,
try to beat the heat by changing up your workout schedule a little.
- Avoid exercising during the hottest hours of the day. When possible, try to fit workouts in between 7-10 am,
or later in the afternoon from 7-10 pm. Since summer days are longer, take advantage of the extra hours of
sunlight to be physically active!
- Cool off with a swim. Swimming is not only a great non-impact cardio workout that exercises almost every
muscle in the body, but it is also a great way to cool off during the heat of the day. Try to make it to your
local pool or lake to enjoy this fun and healthy summer activity.
Vacation Healthy
It can be a challenge to maintain an exercise schedule while on traveling, but a little foresight can help create an
active and enjoyable trip!
- Plan ahead. If you are in the process of planning a trip, try to pick a destination with plenty of active and
fun activities available. Look for areas with bike paths, scenic walking tours, hiking trails, canoe trips, or
many other such activities.
- Get creative. If you have already picked a destination, get creative and seek out opportunities to engage in
healthy activities. If possible, rather than drive from place to place, explore your destination by bike or by
foot. You might just find that you will get to see and enjoy more of your trip this way!
As always, remember to take the proper safety precautions such as wearing sunscreen, traveling in groups when
appropriate, and staying hydrated. But most of all, HAVE FUN!
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