Simplify your Summer Fitness....

Simple Summer Workouts

As a testament to how hard it is to stay on track last month…I completely forgot to post my blog for April. I wrote it, edited it, and found pictures but didn’t remember to post it for 3 weeks before I realized what I had done. This time of year it is so easy to do. The weather is turning warmer and there is more to do in the yard, and around the house. The kids are winding down the school year and it is more challenging to keep them on track with their school work and activities. Your fitness goals, like mine, are probably ramping up for the season to come. Then all of a sudden, like in my case, the slightest change of the normal routine can throw you completely off. In my case I lost a friend way too early and way to unexpectedly. My loss affected me in many different ways, and these are just a few.  It not only reminded me that I never know what is going on in another’s life unless I ask, and spending time with those that I love and care for most is and always will be my top priority. What it taught me about fitness was this; Fitness should enhance your life, not take you away from those things that matter most. Fitness should make you stronger physically and mentally. To be healthy is defined as enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit.  There are many ways to achieve this, and the key is finding the one that speaks to you.

Time is of the essence in your busy schedule and finding time for exercise, or proper nutrition is a common complaint. It is time to focus on the two things that will help you toward your health lifestyle, Simplicity and Consistency.

Simplicity

The fewer moving parts the better. Many only find failure because they take an all or nothing approach to change. Start with small changes. Drink more water. Take a daily vitamin. Be compliant with medications you have been prescribed. Add 15 minutes of activity above and beyond your normal routine. Lower your daily carbohydrate intake by 20-30 grams. These are all changes that alone will improve your physical and mental happiness and will not require an unreasonable amount of time. Take 30 days to master your new habit then focus on another.

Consistency

Success breeds success….so start today. What is the one thing that you can do today that will move you forward into a better day? Do it early before your schedule and commitments take control and procrastination becomes an option. Delegate 15, 30, or 60 minutes toward your goals. Whether that is meal planning, activity time, meditation to reduce stress, or finding $10.00 to put in savings. If you do it every day, first thing, these baby steps will quickly turn into giants leaps and you will soon find yourself feeling more success than you every thought possible.

So keep it simple…and uncover your best self this summer.

In Addition to my blog this week, because I was a slacker last month here are a few quick summer workout ideas.

Power Builder at the Park

Equipment needed….any park bench will do.

20 jumping jacks

10 squats to the bench

20 burpees

10 pushups to the bench

20 tuck jumps

10 Decline push ups

20 explosive bench jump ups

Repeat 4 times for quickest time

Cardiovascular Hill Repeats

Equipment needed….Grassy area with an incline, and a stop watch.

                (Example; Community park hill, Freeman Park from the amphitheater to the memorial.)

Measure out 20 paces from the bottom of the hill and mark the start with your jacket

Begin watch and sprint to the top of the hill. Try to avoid slowing your pace as the hill increases.

Turn at top and Jog to the bottom letting your Heart rate recover.

Rest for 1 minute

Then….Repeat 10 times.

Remember, if you need a little extra help this summer. The trainers at Health and Fitness Academy are waiting for you. Our clients are seeing incredible results in Strength, Cardiovascular, Flexibility, and weight loss training. Give us a call at 208.557.2823, set up your first free session and start working toward a healthier future.