Battling Summer Workout Excuses

Are the summer months preventing you from working out? Well, these are the top 3 obstacles and how you can overcome them to keep up your fitness routine.

1) HEAT

The first hurdle, heat, can be a challenge, especially in the south because the heat added with the humidity can make it unbearable for some during the day. "It's too hot to go outside" is often heard. I suggest fitting in your workouts early in the mornings or evenings since the hottest time of the day is around 3pm. Heat builds up after noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. And that can make it quite toasty out there. Another way to avoid excessive heat is to workout INSIDE. Who says your own home can't be a gym? It's air conditioned and private. Another place? The gym. 

2) KIDS ARE AT HOME

So your kids are at home. So what? There are plenty of exercises you can do with a baby in your hands or squeeze in some exercises when they're napping. I've been known to hold babies while their parents perform the exercises so there's that possibility if you have an in-home trainer.  Technology has come along way to allow parents ways to keep their young children occupied. Reading, I-pads, I-pods, Nintendo, tv, legos, puzzles, etc. are various ways to keep them busy.  Some kids even like to exercises with their parents. Another option is going to a gym that provides day care. 

3) SUMMER TRAVEL

Lastly, vacation travel is for some people a time to let loose and throw away all that they've worked toward to look good in that bathing suit. The belief is that you should relax and overindulge. I do agree that vacation is a great time to compress and enjoy time with family but it does not have to be a complete sabotage to your health. Exercising does not have to mean getting on a treadmill. There are plenty of fun exercises that you could do on vacation without even realizing it. Examples are walking on the beach, bike rides with the family, tossing a football or Frisbee around, dancing, hiking, swimming, and shopping.

So I hope when summer comes around you can remind yourself that you don't have to be the victim of your excuses. You'll not only feel better but you won't have the guilt that often comes with it.