May 2003
Summer fitness is fun, so here are some tips for making your workouts more effective:
1. With the warmer weather take your workouts outdoors and walk, run, ride or hike. Just make sure you bring plenty of water with you and if it's hot, go early in the day to avoid the heat. Even if you go in the early morning, it's still a good idea to wear a good waterproof sun block.
2. Swimming is another great way to get fit and healthy, it works every muscle in your body and has little impact on your joints. If you don't like to swim laps, then aqua aerobics classes can also be a fun way to get in shape. Once again, if the pool is outdoors, remember your sun block!
3. If you're short of time, try a home workout video or DVD. There are so many good quality home workouts available, many of them just 30 minutes. Before you buy, check the person's certifications, they should be certified through a recognizable organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine ACSM, American Council on Exercise ACE to name two.
4. Pay attention to your form while working out. It's not what you do, it's how you do it! There is very little benefit to going through the motion just for the sake of it, you should make each repetition or exercise count.
5. Do your workouts at your own pace, you don't have to get it right the first time, give yourself a chance to learn it, that way you'll always feel successful. Listen to your body, tune in to how you feel and train according to your energy level.