Let's talk exercise and health. I haven't done one of these posts in a while, but you, as my readers, always tell me how much you enjoy them. The weather has been miserably hot here. My run at 7:30 the other night started when it was 99 degrees. One of the worst things to have happen is to become dehydrated. Say it with me, drink more water, drink more water, drink more water. Add lemon to it if it is too boring and plain or squeeze in some orange and mint. You have got to be hydrating yourself before, during and after your work out.
It seems to be a lot harder to exercise in the summer because nobody wants to get out in the heat and sweat even more than normal. If you are used to going to a gym, somehow that seems hard, too. Quit looking at the scale and just get out and be active. Your body will thank you for doing cardio for thirty minutes 3-5 times a week.
Good gear really makes a difference, especially in the hotter weather. Find fabrics that breathe. I know that I've told you about these before, but I swear by CW-X's sports bras. They are fantastic. Have you heard of The Clymb? Similar to Hautelook, Gilt and Ruelala, it is designed for people who love the outdoors. Get on and check it out. This past weekend they had CW-X gear on it and I scooped up some new sports bras for less than half of their original price.
Find something to get your heart rate going that you enjoy. Don't be afraid to try something new. If you like pilates, try yoga. Bryan and I go a local mountain bike trail together, but he rides and I usually run. It is something we can do together, yet also what we both like best. It is much easier to brave the heat if you are doing something that allows you to have fun while exercising.
Many people find it is easier to get motivated to exercise if they have a partner to go with to the park or gym. Whatever it takes to get yourself in shape, make it happen. It can be way too easy to convince yourself not to put on those tennis shoes, but when you have someone holding you accountable you don't have as many excuses. This morning I saw two college girls {like these in the picture} out bright and early running on a bike path through town. While they waited at a cross walk they were laughing and talking about something; you could tell they were having fun together.
Enjoy something cool and refreshing after your work out. This Garden Fresh Mediterranean Bruschetta is perfect for a snack or appetizer that doesn't require cooking, but is healthy and light. My suggestion would be to use wheat or a multi-grain bread instead of white bread.
Also, I'm all about enjoying healthy fruit popsicles. {Pinterest is full of great recipes.) Feel free to leave any tips or suggestions you have on how to embrace exercising in the heat. Have a great day!
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I agree 100%! I went for 6 years without exercising regularly because I didn't enjoy it. I've found classes that I love now, and I get mad when I have to miss one. And it's not about weight loss. That will come. It's about feeling good about yourself and treating your body right. Ok, enough soap box.... thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I despise running. So to get my cardio in, I take kickboxing classes! And at the beginning of the year I joined the same gym as my BFF so I could have a workout buddy. You're right, it is easier to go with someone else because then you feel bad if you back out. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love my 2x/wk evening workout classes, but between commitments with friends and this stifling heat, I was finding myself lacking motivation. Recently I've started setting my alarm for just 15 minutes earlier in the morning, and I take our dog Drake for a walk around the block. It's only just a half-mile trek, but doing it 6 days a week will add 3 miles to the other activities I'm already doing.
ReplyDeleteI for once after living in South Florida for long and complaining about the heat....have no more reason to complain! We have definitely had cooler weather than y'all and I hope everyone gets some relief soon!
ReplyDeleteI need to get back to working out, haven't in two months and I feel icky.
Totally on board with you! It's too hot for me outside to run, so I just joined a gym this week and am loving all the cardio machines! Changing it up everyday keeps it fun!
ReplyDeletePS - that bruschetta looks amazing!
I also love running and anything cardio related! That bruschetta looks so good!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I have never been athletic...at all. Earlier this year, I started the couch 2 5k plan to give running a try. And I actually enjoyed it. Well, when I was done with the workout for the day. But I stopped around the 4th week & it's been so tough to get back on it. I keep saying it's too hot outside, but we have a treadmill. And I know it's not the same as running outside, I really can't use the heat as an excuse. Thanks for sharing your tips.
ReplyDeleteGREAT POST:)
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so wonderful..do you have twitter or fb to follow with??
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Have a great week.
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
(sweden)