So it’s almost June and the weather has begun to warm up. (Finally! if you’re on the East Coast.) In addition to fewer layers and lighter clothing, the warmer weather can also signal a lifestyle change. Many of us spend more time outside this time of year, and don’t eat as heavily. And–usually while trying on last year’s summer clothes–our attention turns toward staying fit.
The good news is you don’t have to have a trainer or a nutritionist or any special equipment to ramp up your fitness level. There are several, stressless ways you can stay fit, inside and out, now and into the next year.
Walk it Out
Walking is a great whole body exercise and you already know how to do it. Now, you just have to do it with purpose. Grab those almost new cross trainer sneakers–you know, the ones you bought last year when you renewed your gym membership–and get outside. Walk at your normal pace for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up, then turn on the “playtime is over” playlist and switch into power-walk mode. Take long strides and get those arms moving. Do this for between 20 and 30 minutes, then cool down by walking at your normal pace again for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Roll Out
Strap on a helmet (safety first!) and jump on some wheels. When’s the last time you were on a bicycle? Or roller skates/blades? Those activities aren’t just for kids, you know.
Jump to It
Even if you never learned how to jump double dutch or don’t have two other people to jump with, grab your single rope and channel your inner Laila Ali prepping for a prize fight.
Eat Fresh
Nope, not from a popular national sandwich franchise, but from Mother Nature. Summer fruits abound and can be part of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between. Ripe melons, sweet berries and luscious stone fruit–like mangoes, peaches and plums–are not only good for you, they’re delicious. And very portable, which only facilitates you eating them. Incorporating fresh fruit into your diet can be an easy way to cut calories and stay properly hydrated.
The spring and summer are also good salad-eating seasons so head to the produce aisle the next time you’re in the grocery store. Salads fill you up without weighing you down, and the enduring “healthy eating” trend has given rise to “fast food” salad chains across the country. Savvy salad suggestion: Have your salad dressing on the side and dip your fork into the dressing before you pick up a forkful of salad. Same yummy dressing flavor, less fat and fewer calories.
Obey Your Thirst
Give the sodas a break and go with some non-carbonated beverages–like fresh-squeezed lemonade, real brewed iced tea and good old H2O. Can’t get through the day without some fizz? Swap out one soda for some flavored seltzer and save on sugar and calories. Hydration Hint: Toss a slice of that ripe summer fruit into your full water bottle the night before for some subtle juicy flavor the next day.
Incorporating any of these suggestions into your lifestyle will be a good-for-you move with a positive outcome. Here’s to your improved level of fitness, inside and out.
