Summer seems to be the time when we feel motivated to work on our fitness. Perhaps this is because of the more skin-baring styles usually worn such as shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits. Everyone wants a bikini body, tan skin, and a tight booty.
But this summer I propose we work on our fitness for our health, for our happiness, and for ourselves. If we exercise and live healthfully for reasons beyond our looks and focus on how we feel about ourselves instead, it is easier to maintain our fitness routines far beyond summer time. And that is the ultimate goal right? To live happy and healthy lives all the time, not just in the summer. :)
So I have compiled 3 fun and easy ways to workout this summer that will hopefully inspire your health and fitness journey.
1. Hiking
Hiking is a great form of exercise! Hiking is not only good for your legs, but it is also good for your cardio and overall muscle toning. When you do a hike with a couple of hills and walk at a good pace all of your muscles will be engaged at some point during your hike.
For example, when you walk uphill you are engaging all of your lower body as well as your abdominals, back, and arms. The arm workout is not like lifting weights, but it keeps them moving and will definitely provide a nice amount of toning.
Hiking is also a great way to get outside. Fresh air and sunlight are key ingredients to living a healthy life and provide our bodies with important nutrients and vitamins. Though too much sun is not good for us, a little sun every day is actually very very important to the health of our bodies. The sun gives us a nice dose of vitamin D which helps our bodies absorb calcium, which in turn helps us build and maintain strong bones.
I like to do about an hour hike in the mornings when the sun is bright but not too hot yet. This way I can get a good amount of vitamin D without the risk of burning my skin.
The key to keeping this exercise routine consistent is finding a spot where you actually enjoy the hike. Maybe you like hiking in a more wooded area, or maybe you enjoy breathtaking views, whatever it is that you enjoy about nature find a hike that provides some of that enjoyment for you. You will find that it is much easier to stay motivated.
2. Youtube
Youtube is an amazing resource for fitness videos and exercise classes! Not everyone wants to go to a gym or can afford a monthly gym membership so a resource like Youtube is a great way to take classes in the comfort of your own home and within your schedule.
My favorite part of using Youtube as a "gym" is having the ability to do whatever type of workout I feel like doing that day. For example, if you love kick boxing you can search for kick boxing exercise classes and get to pick the one you feel like fits your fitness level and experience. Youtube is also helpful for those of us with very busy schedules who don't have a lot of time to workout. So if you have 20 minutes to workout, you can find a 20 minute class or do a longer video and just stop at the 20 minute mark.
I find this ability to find short or long workouts is really helpful on busy days when I might be tempted to not workout at all. Instead of having the mindset of skipping my workout, these videos have helped me be able to be ok with just using the time I have to workout, even if it is only 15 - 20 minutes. A little exercise is always better than no exercise. :)
One of my favorite things to use Youtube for is my yoga routine. I have learned so many new poses and techniques from the different yoga practitioners and teachers on Youtube. And I save all the routines and videos that I know I want to do again. It's easy, convenient, and completely customizable.
3. Yoga
Yoga is one of my favorite ways to workout. It is challenging physically and mentally and helps bring my mind and body into balance.
If you are new to yoga it is good to know that there are many different types of yoga. Some focus more on strength and some more on endurance and flexibility, but every type of yoga will always be muscle building, challenging your flexibility, and heightening your body awareness. If your experiences with yoga have not included the above three attributes you should probably look into taking a different yoga class. A good yoga class will always incorporate these three things together.
Yoga is a great way to help you fit in your workout because you do not have to do it for hours and hours to feel your body improving. Yoga poses will usually engage your whole body meaning every muscle in your body is working during your entire workout, not just your arms for a couple of minutes then your legs for the next couple of minutes. Even in yoga's familiar rest pose, Downward Dog, your whole body is being used and all of your muscles are being taught how to engage and contract together.
One of the best things about yoga is that is strengthens your body while calming your mind. Yoga is about being present and letting your mind also connect with your workout instead of just going through the motions with your body. You will find that your mornings are much calmer and more peaceful after doing yoga. It helps you start the day fresh without the worries of yesterday.
I incorporate yoga into my workout routine at least once a week. It is my trusty Saturday workout and sometimes I do it on Monday too especially if my body feels tight or if I haven't had a good sleep. It is amazing what taking a moment to be present with your mind and body together can do for your health.
And, you can do yoga anywhere! During the summer it is great to do yoga outside so you get your mind body workout and your vitamin D! Double health points. ;)
Something that is helpful to remember in our fitness and health journeys is that everyone is different. Everyone has different schedules, different likes and dislikes, and will enjoy different types of workouts. So if you find that certain fitness routines don't work for you, that's ok. :) One of the great things about working out and getting healthy is that there are so many ways to do it. So find the routine that works for you, your body, and your happiness. Wellness is meant to be fun! So don't settle for doing something you don't love and enjoy. Keep looking for that workout that makes you thrive.
I hope these 3 ways to get fit for summer inspire you to start a new workout routine that is enjoyable, made just for you, and will stay with you for many years to come.
~Hannah
