5 easy ways to stay fit this summer
Five quick and easy exercises to help you keep active and healthy during the festive season, whether you are on the road or on the beach.
Summer is here, text books are closed and it's too late to renovate. Perhaps now is the time that we should rethink the way we live our lives, including how to keep up our good health.
Christine Sparks, personal trainer with Virgin Active Health Clubs, shares five quick and easy exercise tips and moves you can do anywhere, to help keep you active while you enjoy your holiday break.
Activeness on the road
Sitting in a car on a bus or plane during a long journey is not only tiring but your body can take strain so make sure you take time to stretch and flex. You can also tone your abs and buttocks while sitting or driving. Put on some upbeat music and try squeezing your glutes together to the music. Hold for a count of five and then release, one buttock at a time. Repeat throughout the song and by the end of it you should feel a tightening in your abdomen and buttocks region. If you do this for three songs – that's a quick 12 minute workout!
How about some push-ups while sitting at a red light? Place your hands at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock on the steering wheel. Flex the entire length of your arms. Pull yourself toward the wheel for 3 second then push yourself away from the wheel for 3 seconds. Rest after 1 repetition and then repeat until the light changes. With your hands in this position you can also squeeze your hands together ... both great arm toning exercises.
Dance the night away
Dancing is a great way for people of all ages to get and stay in shape. Besides being fun, dancing has many positive health benefits -flexibility, strength, endurance and a sense of well being. The greater the range of motion, the more muscles can flex and extend. “Take the adage of ‘dance like no-one is watching' to heart,” says Sparks. “Whether you go to a structured Zumba, Nia or dance class or prefer to hit the dance floor of a night club – energetic dancing burns up calories and gives you a great cardio workout.”
Sightseeing by foot
Walking is a fabulous way to keep fit so dial it up a notch by doing your sightseeing by foot or stride out on beach sand and swing those arms. Walking is free, convenient and easy, it's also great at boosting your health and fitness profile.
“Walking barefoot on the sand offers some additional benefits because sand provides resistance,” explains Sparks. “With ever step forward your foot sinks into the sand and your foot and leg muscles work extra hard to push you up and propel you forward.” She warns to keep hydrated, apply sunscreen and not to walk in the middle of the day.
Super cool activeness
Most holiday resorts have swimming pools and there is no better way to stay cool and keep up your fitness levels than a few laps every day. Great for arms and legs and also a wonderful cardio work out.
Plus there is the ocean so perhaps look at participating in some water sports, there is surfing, wake boarding, kayaking and the latest craze, stand up paddle boarding. If you are inland and have a dam or river close by there is the option of water skiing or paddling.
Make your room a workout space
There are loads of ‘functional' exercises that you can do in your room. Such as push-ups, use the wall or the side of the bath; tricep dips on the bed or bath; squats and lunges.
“Being on holiday and staying active doesn't necessarily mean long work out sessions at a health club,” says Sparks.
“Just think of how you move and make it count. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk more, swim and dance or do some outdoor routines. You'll not only feel better for it but you won't return home despondent. There is no need to compromise your fitness routine while having a good holiday and when you get back into your gym routine in January you don't have to start from scratch…”
(Photo: Gallo Images)