Remember this summer to take some time to relax and chill. Take advantage of the slower pace at work to fine tune your workouts at the gym. Or maybe you need to take a sabbatical from lifting and pursue some outdoor activities like swimming or skateboarding. Pack your sunscreen, take along a mask, remember to practice social distancing… and make sure to have fun! Here are a few of what I refer to as my top summer fitness tips.
- Remember that stretching is a vital component of overall fitness. Stretch vigorously and for several minutes before doing any cardio routine like cycling, running and swimming. For resistance training, stretch lightly before working out, and more between sets and after your workout.
- A cocktail or glass of wine are a delight around the pool or cabana, but overdoing it can pack on the pounds, deplete your energy and prove fatal to your workouts.
- Modalities like hydrotherapy, steam, and acupuncture, etc. can aid your fitness lifestyle by relieving pain, speeding recovery, and alleviating stress. Treat yourself this summer!
- A professional massage can relax sore tight muscles, lower blood pressure, increase circulation and moisturize your skin.
- Summer colds are a bitch. Never work-out with a fever, it’s counter-productive, stay home and get well. Checking your temperature several times a day is also a wise practice in these days of Covid 19.
- Music can rev you up and motivate your workouts – if your gym is playing tired tunes, then bring your own.
- Carry a clean towel with you to the gym and plenty of anti-bacterial wipes so that you can keep equipment clean for yourself and others.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day and during your work-outs. Chug water regularly, don’t wait until you are thirsty. Sports drinks contain too much sugar…good old H2O is tops.
- Beginning at age 25 most people begin to lose about a half a pound of muscle per year. Regular and progressive weight training helps maintain and build lean muscle.
- Consistency and regularity at the gym add up to success at achieving your goals. Even if your workout isn’t stellar, it’s still better to do something than nothing.
- To jump start your fat-burning, try 20 minutes of cardio, i.e. treadmill, elliptical or even a power walk on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. But make sure to eat breakfast soon after this and always before doing weights.
- Before trying any new supplement for weight loss or body building make sure you research it. Check with your physician before trying it.
- Good nutrition, weight training and cardio-vascular training are the three elements of any sound program. Don’t skip any of them!
- Do some core training at work by replacing your regular office chair with an exercise ball.
- The warmer weather is better for joints and muscles while exercising, just don’t overdo it!
