I recently began to vlog my fitness journey, as well as take some fitness coaching. I was very active as an athlete in middle school and high school. However, college brought on unhealthy habits that transitioned with me into adulthood.
Two years removed from college, life’s journey finds me making health and fitness an active lifestyle. I thought it would be helpful to share Five Simple Summer Fitness/ Health Tips that anyone can put to the test to experience a healthier and more enjoyable summer.
1.) GET ACTIVE! Pick one outdoor activity – whether it’s a walk through Downtown Memphis, a jog through Overton Park, a run to the top of Beale Street Landing, or swimming at the YMCA. Not only will you relax and recharge, you’ll give your immune system a boost! It is best to exercise during the coolest hours of the day (early morning and evening) to avoid exhaustion.
2.) HYDRATE! Water is the most common nutritional deficiency and a very easy one to remedy. The benefits of hydration are plentiful. Drinking the recommended eight to ten glasses a day can help prevent illness, keep your bones and muscles healthy, help you maintain your weight, improve brain function and, best of all, fuel your activities throughout the day.
This summer, make water an essential part of your day and never leave home without it. I often add fresh fruit, herbs and other flavor enhancements to filter my water and stay hydrated. boost the flavor of your water and make it more fun.
3.) CONSUME HEALTHIER SNACKS! Summer means fresh produce. Enjoy the abundance of fresh local fruits and vegetables summer has to offer. Eating more pineapples, berries, watermelons, peaches, grapes, lemons, grapefruits, cucumbers zucchini and all kinds of raw seasonal greens will cool you down on a hot summer day, helping restore the body’s yin and yang.
4.) REST! Sleep plays a vital role in your health and well-being. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental and physical health, safety and quality of life. Resist the urge to stay up later during long summer days. Instead, pay attention to good sleep hygiene by keeping the same bedtime and wake-up schedule. Try not to drink alcohol within three hours of bedtime.
5.) VACATION! Take advantage of summer’s slower schedule by using your vacation time to unwind. Vacations have multiple benefits. They can help lower your blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones, which contributes to a widening waist and an increased risk of heart disease.
I don’t necessarily recommend you stick 100 percent to your healthiest plan on vacation. I believe in moderation. When you go on vacation, one of the main benefits is rest, relaxation and time to get away for a while. Disconnect from the Internet and smart phones, see a world without selfies, hashtags and videos; engage in conversations and activities.
(To view my fitness transition, learn more on evolving your fitness journey and find fitness and health motivation tips, follow @agnbfitness on Instagram. #HEALTHEHEARTMEMPHIS)
