Orlando Health: 7 ways to keep an exercise schedule going strong through summer

Exercising during the summer months ought to be easy. As our days get warmer, it’s generally easier to fit a run or walk in. But summer is also a time to slip out of regular routines — especially if your kids are out of school and schedules have shifted.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. If you’re just starting an exercise program or want to keep one going, here are seven ways to keep summer schedules from derailing your fitness efforts.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

1. Start small. Many exercisers start off with a big plan — to run three miles without stopping or to exercise every day for a week. But the body needs time to adjust to those new physical demands, and if you start too much too soon, the mental and physical effort can be too much. Instead, start with a small goal, perhaps a 10 minute walk, a walk/run combination for a mile or a twice-weekly exercise schedule. It’s more reinforcing to start small and accomplish the goal than set a tough goal that you give up on.

2. Switch up your summer routine to make exercising more convenient. Instead of driving across town during rush hour to go to the gym, consider fitting exercise into your current activities. Run around the track during your daughter’s soccer practice. With daylight lasting longer, introduce a new activity of after-dinner walks with the family, or a game of 21 at the basketball court at the park.

3. Make exercise social and fun. Join a team to play a sport, train for a race or be a gym buddy. Knowing someone will miss you if you don’t show up can be a powerful motivator. And, by finding activities that you enjoy, you may get your steps in without even noticing.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3OERR4b

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com