Fitness is Fun!
July 2008

How do you stay motivated to exercise during the summer months? If it is warm in your area, how do you beat the heat without compromising your exercise routine?

Fitness Question Responses from the Month of June:

I live in Texas and it is really warm these days. I do my best to work in my garden at least 45 minutes each day--pulling weeds, deadheading, etc. I simply keep focused on what my garden will look like with the care I'm giving it. Instead of mowing my lawn all at once, I took a lesson from my 89-year-old father and mow for a bit, then rest so I don't totally wear myself out. I love to work outside, but summer is really a challenge. I'm not in a race to get it done; I take my time and I still get my exercise.
~Gretchen A.

Cycle, cycle, and cycle some more. Last year I bought a bicycle and took up cycling. In our area we have high heat and high humidity but I've found it less noticeable when you are creating your own breeze on a bicycle. I cycle with a group which always helps with the motivation aspect as there are set days, departure times, and locations so you feel compelled to be there and on time. I look forward eagerly to each ride and actually find the activity exhilarating, despite the warm temperatures and high humidity. I feel like I have enjoyed the summer rather than endured it!
~Keith S.

I like to run on the treadmill in my air-conditioned home while watching TV or DVDs. This way I feel that I am getting a "2 for 1," media AND fitness all at one time!
~Dawn S.

I sign up for 5K races to run and walk. Although I am not a particularly fast runner, signing up for a race gives me a goal and a time frame in which to achieve it. Before I started running, I would sign up and walk the event. I try to find one race a month in the summer to keep me motivated to do more than simply go to the beach when the weather is nice!
~Kimberly T.

I have a 14-month-old daughter who requires me to stay active. As a P.E. teacher, I am off during the summer so it is crucial that I stay fit during the “off-season.” My daughter and my students motivate me to stay active. Also, my husband’s pep talk in the mornings to get me out of bed to go running help get me going each day!
~Krissa M.

I stay motivated during the summer by taking my dog up the mountains here in Colorado and going for a nice hike or bike ride; there are lots of trails to choose from. She LOVES to run on the trails, and in certain areas she can be off her leash. She is my motivation during the winter, too. Most days she is my running partner.
~Alison P.

Summer is an opportunity to get out of the gym and enjoy the outdoors! Instead of running on a treadmill in the mornings before lifting weights, I usually bike to the gym or go on a morning run on the bike path. Swimming at an outdoor pool at lunchtime is a great way to enjoy the sunshine, too. Day hikes at nearby locations are also a good way for me to stay active and spend time with my family at the same time.
~Ben W.

We would like to extend a special thanks to all of the President's Challenge Advocates. Please visit the Advocates area on the http://www.presidentschallenge.org/ web site to see how companies, organizations and groups are making a difference with the President's Challenge.

For many people, summertime means busy schedules and less time for exercising. Fortunately, Fit Simply™ is here to help you continue practicing an active lifestyle no matter how busy you may be.

Fit Simply™

Larkinetics® developed the Fit Simply™ fitness initiative and has partnered with the President's Challenge to help Americans of all ages make being active part of their everyday lives. Fit Simply™ involves exercises that can be practiced anytime, anywhere and without any equipment for even the busiest person. There are simple activities for traveling, at your desk, during errands, chores and even while watching TV. Fit Simply™ involves Functional Fitness training to help both movement educators and the average person focus on the fundamentals of efficient movement inherent in sports, fitness, Pilates, yoga, martial arts, dance, therapy and stress management. The benefits are a strong, flexible body that is resilient to stress and aging with better health overall.

To find out more about this initiative, and to read about their Creative Movement for Children Program, please visit http://www.fitsimply.com/.

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