summer workout motivation

Summer Workout Motivation

In the summer you’ll find it hard to stick to your regular exercise routine especially when the sun is shining and everyone is outside barbequing and sitting by the beach.

However, just because it is hot out does not give you any excuse to forgo the gym or pack up those running shoes!

So here are some simple easy tricks to beat the heat and increase your workout motivation through the summer months.

Summer Workout Motivation: Training Tips

  • If your workout takes place in direct sunlight be sure to reconsider your route and even look on Google to find a nice shaded option.  Also going in the morning is a lot cooler which always facilitates your workout regime.
  • Aromatherapy aids in the cooling process by using essential oils such as mint and eucalyptus. Rubbing either one of these on your neck or temple post workout is great for cooling your body down. They also open up the nasal (airways) passages allowing you to breathe deeper and get much more blood to your muscles which means better results from your workout.
  • Workout Intervals can be very effective when it is sweltering outside because you are preventing burn out and total exhaustion and you can even split your workout throughout the day. This is better because you are using bursts of energy, which help keep you cooler than one long strenuous workout. Cool fact: studies have also shown that working out in intervals also improves brain function.
  • Eating wisely is another area you can control in terms of beating the heat. Opting for fruits and veggies are smart because they have very high water content. Some of the highest water content fruits/veggies are: Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew), cucumbers and citrus fruits like oranges).
  • Running or cycling on trails is another superb choice because as opposed to asphalt which reflects sunlight, dirt and gravel does not. It is also superior because you can get areas which are shaded by the trees and get more oxygen because of them.
  • Wear appropriate workout wear that is cooling, this can include hats which shield your face from harsh sun rays as well as protecting your scalp. Furthermore darker colors will only make you overheat by absorbing more heat, so make a point to wear white or bright colors which deflects sunlight and keep your body temperature low.
  • Be a Gym Rat! When you workout at the gym you have the added benefit of personal trainers helping you look hot and typically most gyms have air conditioning that will definitely cool you down. It also shades you from skin cancers, and other sun inflicted problems.
  • Invest in a heart monitor especially if you are training outdoors in the heat. Heart monitors range from $50 anywhere to $400 depending on what gadgets you want. The most necessary is just a simple one (like: Bowflex Classic Strapless Heart Rate Monitor) that shows your heart rate and has a timer. A good heart rate monitor is great in that it can prevent you from overexerting yourself and possibly suffering from heat stroke. Be sure to talk to your doctor or personal trainer about the heart rate range in which you should be exercising within.
  • An excellent motivator would be man’s best friend although he cannot come with you to the gym; he can get you out each day. Therefore this allows you to absorb adequate amounts of vitamin D plus some endorphins.

Summer Workout Motivation: Nutrition Tips

  • Eating wisely is another area you can control in terms of beating the heat. Opting for fruits and veggies are smart because they have very high water content. Some of the highest water content fruits/veggies are: Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew), cucumbers and citrus fruits like oranges).
  • Use supplementation to your advantage especially since in the summer our bodies have greater requirements due to the greater amount of sweat. A high quality gender specific multi-vitamin is definitely wise such as Optimum Opti-Men or Optimum Opti-Women. Also let’s look at pre and post workout…
  • Pre-workout: To make sure your electrolyte levels are up to the level of your training try a preworkout energy matrix like SuperPump 250 which also has creatine to help improve your energy
  • After your workouts you will want to replenish your amino acid stores as well as your carbohydrates so have a power protein smoothie including high quality whey protein like Gaspari Nutrition Myofusion, half a banana, and BCAA’s to help with recovery such as Scivation Xtend and blend with ice, skim milk and some water.
  • Obviously you will want to drink plenty of water throughout the day especially if you are out in the heat. Remember for every hour of exercise you should be adding about 3-4 full glasses of water to replenish your stores.