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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – If you’re one of the 98 percent of people who fell off the New Year’s resolutions wagon months ago, we have good news for you. Experts, including Jennifer Heisz, assistant professor of kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, say summer is the ideal time to set fitness goals. The combination of warmer weather, longer days, and more options for staying active is a potent recipe for sticking to your resolutions.
Take It Outside
Summer opens up a wide range of outdoor workout possibilities—from running and hiking to kayaking and waterskiing. Along with the obvious benefits, a recent study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that exercising can boost your immune system, relieve stress and elevate your energy levels. Plus, being outdoors raises your level of vitamin D—which improves your heart health, promotes healthy bone growth and can boost your mood. Mixing up your workout will keep you motivated and less likely to become bored or quit.
Keep Your Options Open
There will be times when exercising outside may not be an option—when it’s too hot or too dark. That’s not an excuse for missing a workout, however, which is why exercise physiologist and Bowflex fitness advisor Tom Holland recommends having home fitness equipment readily available. “The fewer barriers there are, the more likely you are to stick with your fitness goals,” says Holland. A treadmill, like the Bowflex BXT216 (www.bowflex.com/treadmills/bxt216/100507.html), allows you to fit in your workout whenever it’s convenient. “Even if you hop on your treadmill to walk while watching your favorite TV show, you are burning more calories than if you were sitting on the couch—or doing nothing at all.”
Get Fit As A Family
As the saying goes, the family that plays together stays together, and summer is the perfect time to explore new activities. Geocaching treasure hunts, guided night hikes and underwater hockey are all exciting alternatives to letting the kids spend hours glued to their electronic devices. Another way to keep your family moving is with the Modern Movement M-Pad fitness trainer (www.modmov.com/m-pad/100577.html). Thanks to the M-Trac app, which offers fun and challenging balance games like a “maze” and “space invaders,” everyone will be so focused on getting the highest score, they won’t realize they’ve been exercising. Use your favorite streaming player to broadcast onto the TV screen or tablet so you can take it outside.
“Exercise physiologist Tom Holland recommends staying active in hot weather by taking your workout indoors. Treadmills, such as the Bowflex BXT216, are an excellent fitness equipment staple so you can fit in an effective workout whenever it is convenient. http://bit.ly/2HuI5ff