Summer heat presents a real challenge in terms of health and fitness. That’s why we're offering some tips we hope our Pine View Village community members in Flagstaff, Arizona, can find useful.
Innovative Ways to Stay Hydrated
Perhaps the single greatest impediment to exercise during the dog days of summer is keeping H20 levels optimum. Heat and exertion equal the loss of bodily fluids, i.e., sweat. But bottled water gets boring after consuming a few dozen. While the body needs water for healthy functioning, the mind craves something more.
Consider stopping for a quick slushy at your favorite convenience store before a brisk walk, jog, run or hitting the local fitness center. Granted, these drinks have a few calories. The famous 8-ounce Blue Raspberry Slush Puppy reportedly contains 119 calories and 30 grams of carbohydrates. Calories well spent after a gazillion bottles of water! Other options include apple juice—or your favorite healthy beverage—over ice in a sealed Yeti or long-chill container.
Time Your Outdoor Exercise
Sunrise in Arizona runs in the first quarter of 5 a.m. during June. That may seem way too early to get up and invigorate the body. But early morning walks, jogs, yoga and other forms of cardio may be best suited for sunrise. That’s because you can enjoy a more quiet environment and heightened mindfulness with fewer distractions. Early morning exercise can also help improve mental and physical well-being. The alternative is having to endure the blazing hot sun and additional noise.
Consider a Water Sport
Competitive swimming, water polo and river rafting are excellent ways to get the blood flowing. Swimming is said to work every muscle in the body and improve cardio health as well. Rafting is exhilarating. If you aren't interested in rafting or joining a formal sports organization, an evening dip in the pool works wonders. Consider counting your laps the way a Fitbit counts steps.
Avoid Sustained Training Sessions
The hot summer sun taxes the body’s water retention at a high rate. Continuous, rigorous effort can cause quick dehydration, cramping and generally unsafe health conditions. It’s okay to do shorter exercise sessions over the summer months. Consider having one 30-minute session in the morning and another after the day cools off a bit. Remember, play it safe.
We hope our Pine View Village community members find these summer health and fitness tips useful. If you or a friend would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today.