Are you ready for summer? Have you spent the past months daydreaming about curling your toes into the sand at the beach, barbecues, or cold drinks on the balcony?

It’s time for those dreams to become a reality!

Are you concerned about how to stay fit during these fun, hectic months? If so, here are some tips to help because staying fit has a lot of components and there are many things you can do.

 The Why: Do you remember the reasons you wanted to get fit? Maybe to have more energy, be healthier, or sleep better? Use your reasons as motivation to continue living the healthy lifestyle you want.

Working Out: Other than weekends, most adult summer fun happens in the evenings. With that in mind, plan your workouts for the morning.

• You won’t feel guilty ditching your after-work gym time, because you’d rather go sit on your balcony and enjoy some chips and guac and a margarita.
• Working out increases the flow of oxygen in your body, which elevates your energy level and releases serotonin (‘happy chemical’). Who doesn’t want to start their day happy?
• Avoid midday workouts. The extra heat and humidity will zap your energy and strength. If exercising in the sun is something you enjoy, think about taking an aerobics class in a swimming pool. 

Eating Right: Other than the winter holiday season, summer is the time when food is aplenty. To help restrain yourself from over-indulging or eating foods you consider unhealthy, use these tips:

• Pack your own breakfast, snacks, and lunch – it will allow you to control what goes into your body
• Shop the Farmer’s Market – you can’t find fresher food than right off the farm
• Use your grill – How to Grill Fruits & Veggies
• Bring “real food” to gatherings
• Avoid caffeine

From time to time, reward yourself with your favorite summertime treat. You deserve it!

Hydrate: Water makes up to 60% of your body composition, and the major body systems depend on it.

• To safely enjoy summer activities, make sure you’re drinking enough water to avoid dehydration. Check out How to Avoid Dehydration.

Alternatives to the Gym: You don’t need four walls, a floor, and a ceiling to exercise. The outdoors is perfect:

• Take a bike ride
• Swim some laps
• Join a pick-up basketball game
• Do yoga in a park
• Go for a hike
• Play frisbee football or frisbee golf
• Run trails
• Ditch the car and use your body as the primary form of transportation

Include a Friend: Have you noticed the quickening of your heart rate when you see a friend? That’s because being with friends releases all the “feel good” chemicals. And who doesn’t want that? Grab some friends and have fun:

• Sign-up for a race
• Go stargazing
• Have a sandcastle building contest
• Backyard bonfire
• Camp (bring healthy food – and, of course, the ingredients for S’mores)
• Go geocaching
• More ideas – Outdoor Recreational Activities List

Vacations: If you’re hitting the roads or skies this summer, keep these things in mind:

• Stretch your legs often – walk between flights or at rest stops
• Choose lodging with a gym or nearby activities within walking distance
• Have healthy snacks available while traveling
• Plan active vacations

Take Care of Yourself: Pay attention to what your body is telling you and be pro-active: 

• Watch for dehydration
• Use sunscreen
• Spend time in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear a hat to protect your hair and face
• If you feel unwell, stop what you’re doing
• Remember to eat

Staying fit in the summer is about enjoying yourself while continuing to move your body and provide it with healthy fuel. It’s time to go out and have fun!