Easy Ways to Squeeze in a Workout

Between work, keeping up with chores, and spending time with friends and family, you may find it difficult to make time in your day for exercise. But as busy as you may feel, you should be able to uncover a few extra minutes hiding in your day. Here are a few ways to fit more fitness into your busy schedule.

  • For two days, keep track of how you spend your time. Writing this down helps you find more downtime that you could use for working out.
  • Pencil it in. Decide on a set time for exercise and enter it in your calendar as a daily event. When you see it every morning, you'll make a mental note that you’re going to exercise and this can help you to stay motivated.
  • Start small. Five-minute walks every day can easily turn into 30-minute walks.
  • Do small exercises while you’re watching TV. You can do crunches, planks, squats, lunges, or pushups while you’re catching up on your favorite shows.
  • Keep a positive attitude. Editing your negative thoughts is a great way to support healthier lifestyle choices.

4 Ways to Squeeze In That Workout [Women’s Health]
25 Ways to Make Time for Fitness [Experience Life]
10 Ways to Sneak In a Workout [Fitness Magazine]

How to Safely Exercise Outdoors During the Summer

Even if you’re a very fit person, exercising outdoors in hot summer weather can be dangerous. Unless you take the necessary precautions, the heat and humidity can cause dehydration, dizziness, and exhaustion. Here are a few smart tips to help you exercise safely outside all summer long.

  • Stay hydrated. This one may seem obvious, but dehydration is the leading cause of illness and injury during hot weather exercise. Be sure to drink a lot of water not only during and after exercise, but also beforehand to fuel your body for your workout.
  • Choose smart times. Because the sun is lower (and so is the temperature) during the morning and evening, these are the smartest times to exercise outdoors.
  • Wear the right clothes. While you might wear sweatpants to exercise outdoors in the fall, you should invest in something lightweight and absorbent in the summer. Try synthetic fabrics like Spandex and Lycra, as these wick away moisture.
  • Listen to your body. Even if you’ve only been running for 10 minutes, that might be too much for your body in the dog days of summer. If you start to feel lightheaded and dizzy while exercising, make sure that you stop or slow down, no matter how long it’s been.

5 Ways to Exercise Safely in the Heat [U.S. News]
8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active]
Essential Tips for Outdoor Exercise [Arm & Hammer]

Exercising Outdoors? Here’s How to Beat the Heat

Once summer comes back around and each day seems hotter than the last, it can be difficult to find the motivation to work out outside. If you want to maintain your pre-summer running regimen without risking a heat stroke, there are a few things that you can do to stay cool and comfortable. Here are three tips to help you beat the heat.

  1. Choose the right time of day. Though every summer day is hot, certain times of day are much hotter than others—and potentially hazardous to your health. Opt to work out in the early mornings or after the sun goes down to steer clear of those harmful UV rays.
  2. Wear loose clothing. Loose, breathable fabrics can make all the difference when it comes to staying cool during a workout. Choose natural fabrics or running clothes specifically designed to wick away moisture.
  3. Stay hydrated. Sure, you may chug a bottle of water after your daily run, but that’s not enough on a very hot day. Drink a glass of water before embarking on your workout, and be sure to carry a bottle with you as you go. Take a drink every 15 minutes throughout your workout, even if you’re not thirsty, to prevent against dehydration.

8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active]
Top 5 Tips to Staying Cool During Your Summer Workout [American Heart Association]
Heat and Exercise: Keeping Cool in Hot Weather [Mayo Clinic]
Hot Tips for Summertime Fitness [Northwestern Medicine]

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