Tips for an Active, Healthy Summer

Exercising outdoors can be exhilarating! Summer workouts combine sun, fun and fitness. In case you need any motivation over and above the glorious warm weather, here are some tips for making the most of your summer and staying fit and active in the process. Just remember to dress appropriately, apply sunscreen, and drink lots of water.

• Diversify: Take advantage of the outdoors by swimming, bicycling, walking, jogging, and playing golf and tennis. This variety of activities helps strengthen and condition all muscles groups. Putting the fun back into your workout also reduces boredom, the number one killer of good health and fitness regimens. Stop by the Health Promotion office on the 3rd floor of the Health Department to pick up a Weber Pathways Trail Map!
• Don't Stop Using Your Club or Gym: It takes 30 days to make fitness a habit, and supplementing outdoor exercise with regular visits to your health club will ensure that you remain active during those rainy days, and especially when the temperatures begin to drop in September. You can earn up to 2 hours of vacation by having a gym membership!
• Make it Social: One of the great things about exercise is that it doesn't need to be done alone. Call that long-lost friend that you don't see nearly enough and arrange to meet over a brisk walk or a dip in your local pool when the weather turns steamy. Find someone with a similar fitness level and try a variety of activities - you can help to motivate each other. You can earn up to 2 hours of vacation by having a pool membership and up to 4 hours by participating in an adult recreation league!
• Stretch: The more you become active during the summer, the more important it becomes to implement a regular stretching regimen. Remember that your muscles may not be ready for the type of activity you're engaging in, so warm up and stretch to help increase flexibility, reduce the risk of injury and improve blood flow.
• Protect Your Largest Organ: Put sunscreen on your skin EVERY MORNING as a routine (use moisturizers that contain sunscreen).
• Use the 15 minutes Rule: Profit from the great summer weather. If you can walk there in 15 minutes or fewer - don't use the car! This also contributes to the health of the environment, not to mention your gasoline budget!
• Buy a Bike: Or ride the one you have. You can use your bike to run errands, visit friends, or simply enjoy the robust outdoors. A good place to find a less expensive, used bike is the Ogden Bicycle Collective. They receive donations and their bicycle mechanics ensure they are in great working condition!

What is your favorite way to be active outdoors?