8 Ways to Stay Healthy All Summer Long
With the long and hot days of summer upon us, getting in shape or maintaining your workout plan is likely top of mind. Summer is a great time to make the most of the Curves 30-minute workout, when you want to have lots of your day left to enjoy outdoor summer fun. Whether you want some fitness tips for weight loss, you’re looking to exercise for mental health, or you just want to get stronger, these health and fitness tips can help you get in shape and stay healthy all summer long!
1. Stick with your workout plan
It may be tempting to take a break from your exercise routine during the lazy days of summer, but it’s just as important to stick with it. Creating a realistic schedule that you can stick with for the summer months will make it easier to reach your fitness goals. Be sure to choose days and times that work with your schedule, so you don’t have any excuses to skip a workout at Curves.
2. Cut back on sugar
Sugar is all around us, and during the summer months, it seems to be even harder to avoid. From lemonade to ice cream to cotton candy, summer indulgence can mean lots of extra sugar.1 Whenever you can, avoid foods you know are high in processed sugar and replace them with healthier fruits (luckily, summer offers a variety of tasty, fresh fruit). If you are unsure of the sugar content of a food, check the label and keep a running tally of your daily intake. Anything more than 12 teaspoons or 1.7 oz in one day is too much. And look for ingredients that scream “I’m sugary,” such as cane sugar, evaporated cane juice, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, raw sugar and crystal solids. And, don’t forget brown sugar, honey, maple syrup and brown rice syrup.
3. Apply sunscreen religiously
Whether you’re heading out for a quick swim or spending an entire day in the sun, make sure you protect your skin by coating it with a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.2 Reapply every few hours.
4. Stay hydrated
Dehydration can cause fatigue and even compromise your performance while working out. Make sure you drink plenty of water3 throughout the day and even more on days you sweat it out at Curves. Eating water-rich foods will also help you reach your daily quota for hydration and help you stick to a weight loss eating plan. Pineapple, oranges, raspberries, blueberries, apples, zucchini, celery, tomatoes, and peppers are all good ones to add to your grocery list.
5. Squeeze in a nap
Just as important as staying active during the summer is getting enough rest. Whenever you can, try and squeeze in a power nap in the middle of the day to help your body recuperate.
6. Load up on fresh fruits and veggies
Eating fresh salads with a meal — or even as a meal — is much easier during warmer months. Stock your grocery cart with plenty of in-season fruits and vegetables to add more nutritious and fiber-rich foods to your plate.Get up earlier
With all the hours of sunlight, it’s easier to get up early in the summer than in any other season of the year. So, take advantage of those morning hours to get a jump-start on your day. Engage in a full body workout at Curves, take a long walk, or treat yourself to a home cooked breakfast as part of your healthy eating plan.
7. Add more physical activities to your summer day
The warm, sunny, pleasant weather in the summer makes it easier to bike to work, walk to the grocery store, or try a new outdoor sport like golf or tai chi in the park. Add more physical activities to your day outside of your usual Curves workout plan to have more fun while getting in shape and fulfilling your fitness relationship goals.
To find out more about how you can informed lifestyle and health choices, visit our blog under the ‘Live’ category! You can also learn more about how the Curves Circuit can benefit your lifestyle here.
1 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
2 American Academy of Dermatology
3 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
