While things like hiking and running are a great workout, Arizona summers and its unforgiving heat requires some creative tips to stay healthy indoors. Actually, Arizona is notorious for causing heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses during the summer. So if you’re not prepared with the correct clothing and water supply when you go out to exercise, you are potentially put your own well-being in danger. So how do you keep up your workout regimen in these conditions? The average person may not have time or money to commit to a monthly gym membership. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay in good shape that doesn’t involve going to the gym or setting foot in 100-degree weather. If you find yourself wanting to exercise but hesitating because of the weather, you should consider these alternative options that will keep you cool and healthy.
Indoor Summer Workouts
One of the most obvious tips to stay healthy indoors is to find indoor workouts that work for you. There is a plethora of free online videos or DVD’s available for timed workouts that you can access from Youtube or Amazon. For instance, a popular Youtube channel called Blogilates not only has free online pilates workouts but also offers a PIIT28 package that has daily 30-minute workouts that require no equipment.
Not interested in getting your exercise from videos? No problem! You can alternatively create your own training circuit by choosing 1 to 2 strength exercises and 3 to 5 cardio exercises. Do around 10 repetitions of your circuit each morning followed by a short cool down and stretching period. Or perhaps separating an area for your own at-home gym with simple equipment like jump ropes, resistance bands, and a few dumbbells would help keep your options open when you’re unable to go out.
Lastly, if you’re a full-body workout kind of person, your best option is to find an indoor pool nearby that is open for swimming laps or offers aquafit classes. In fact, this is something you should consider doing year-round because of the many benefits of swimming. Furthermore, if you do have a gym membership or know a local class, consider attending a few CrossFit, Pilates, or yoga classes to keep your core fit during the summer.
Changing Up Your Diet
Another common issue that comes with hot summers is the overwhelming feeling of lethargy. Sometimes it just feels like there’s not enough time in the day to squeeze in a workout. For days like this, the best tips to stay healthy indoors is to change up your diet to make up for the lack of exercise. It should go without saying that you should never starve yourself or start a diet that is damaging to your daily performance and mood. However, some diets can really help give you more energy, lose weight, and feel better each day.
Find Ways to Escape the Heat
If you are used to getting your exercise outside, it can be difficult to transition to indoor workouts or diet plans. Fortunately, finding a physical activity outside during the summer is not impossible, it just may require more careful planning than usual! Even during the hottest point in the summer, mornings in Arizona stay relatively cool in temperature. Waking up early and making quick morning trips to the park or mountain is a great way to squeeze in a workout before the heat kicks in. For those who are absolutely not morning people, your solution may involve making a drive on the weekends to Northern Arizona, where the weather is much more forgiving. Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff all have cooler weather and fun outdoor options to explore.
Maintain Good Health Year-Round
When you are balancing a job, family, and hobbies, it can be hard to find time to commit to exercising or eating healthy. However, you only have one body so you should treat it as well as you possibly can. Arrowhead Health Centers recommends talking with a trusted AZ family physician about what the best steps are to preserve your well-being all year. Your doctor may have helpful tips to staying healthy indoors and outdoors that suit your physical or mental condition best. You may be surprised to find that there are many programs and services that Arrowhead Health Centers provides that can assist you in monitoring and maintaining your health all year long.
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