Staying fit during the dog days of summer can be a challenge. However, there are many ways to stay active in the summer months and also stay cool. It is important to be active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways you can work out in the heat during the sizzling summertime.

Early morning Yoga/meditation:

Yoga is a great way to not only get in shape but to also relax. With the stress we live with on a daily basis, yoga helps ground us and keep us intone with our bodies, minds, and spirits. Start your day before the chaos hits by practicing yoga poses early in the morning while it is still cool outside. Early morning yoga prepares you for a positive day but also makes your body feel good without working up a sweat. Find a peaceful area outside without distractions where you can perform poses and be one with nature. Namaste.

Sundown walks or bike rides:

Taking a nice walk or bike ride after dinner while the sun goes down is another way to exercise and stay out of the heat. Riding a bicycle tones muscles in your legs, quads, and gluts and is also fun! While nice long walks are a great way to end your long day and walk off dinner while clearing your mind. Take advantage of the long summer nights while they are still here. Either walk alone or grab a friend or family member to take a stroll or bike ride with and share the highlights of your day. For a more challenging walk, try doing lunges in between steps or hold dumbbells.

Indoor workouts at a gym or home: 

When it’s too hot outside to work out, staying home or hitting an air-conditioned gym is the best way to stay active. You can do a variety of exercises from the comfort of your home while watching a workout video or doing your own poses. The gym is always a great place to go during the summer and to avoid the heat. Most gyms provide an array of classes that fit your interest and workout level while keeping you motivated.

Pool exercises:

Pools are a great place to get a good work out in especially when it’s almost 100 degrees out. Pools are the perfect way to cool off while also staying fit and active. There are many exercises you can do in the pool such as water aerobics, treading water, doing laps, holding water weights and walking in place. The force of the water burns calories, while taking pressure off of your muscles and joints. If you don’t have a pool don’t worry there are many gyms that offer aquatic classes or provide a pool for your own personal use.

Outdoor games at home with the kids:

Stay active and cool with your kids at home! Outdoor-games are a great way to get everyone moving and having fun without electronics and before they go back to school. If you don’t have a pool, you can still take advantage of your backyard by using belongings you have at home such as sprinklers and other supplies to make games with. You can use a hose and heavy duty plastic to make a slip-n-slide. Use empty water bottles and a soft ball to play a game of outdoor bowling, make up a game of hopscotch using a handmade big dice with different rules on them, get some water guns or balloons and play water tag. Get creative and think of fun things to do with your kids that will get them active and involved without their phones and tablets.

Don’t forget to work out everyday even if it is a simple 30-minute walk around the neighborhood. Use these ideas and your own to enjoy the last few weeks of summer outdoors before it’s over.  Take time out of your day to breathe for a moment and relax from the hectic world around us and enjoy time with yourself and with your friends and family. Eat healthy and stay hydrated during the dog days of summer.