The Warm Weather is Here! Want to Stay Fit?

We’ve been waiting for it. Summer. After a long winter, most of us can’t wait to shed our North Faces and boots and put on a bikini and flip-flops. But with summer comes too much beer, too much television in the air conditioned house and too many ice cream treats. To make sure you stay fit until the school year starts, follow these tips.

1. Join a gym back home. This is the best thing you can do to avoid gaining weight over the summer. Without the convenience of the rec center, most students tend to get lazy on their workouts over break. Before even heading home, check out some gyms in your area. Most offer college student discounts, for example, if you buy three months for the summer, you can work out during your fall, winter and spring breaks for free. Check out GymSpot.com to search for a fitness center near you.

2. Book a fitness vacation. Yeah, you read right, fitness and vacation in the same sentence. These can range from a workout cruise and yoga retreat to a 150-mile bike ride and snorkeling in Hawaii. To learn more, go to DietAndFitnessToday.com/Fitness-Vacations.

3. Work out outside. After a winter of being stuck in a gym for all your workouts, make it a priority to work out outside. Run, do yoga or take a bike ride.

4. Take advantage of the season’s food. With fruit like watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple and papaya in season, it’s easy to get your five a day. So instead of stopping by McDonald’s, where meals can have over 1,000 calories, try a new exotic fruit instead.

5. Stay hydrated. During the summer, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Make sure to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day!

6. Work out during your lunch break. Most of us have jobs or internships during the summer break. This can leave you too tired to have a normal workout. Try keeping some light dumbbells in your office or cubicle to do a few arm workouts. Or go for a brisk walk around the block.

7. When you drink, drink light. Skip the margaritas and martinis. With them comes too many empty calories … some margaritas can have over 500! Opt for alcoholic beverages like vodka and diet pop, Bud Light or a glass of wine instead.

8. Get a workout buddy. You’re much more likely to stick to your workouts and stay motivated if you have someone to run, bike and swim with. Reconnect with your old high school teammate or go to Traineo.com to find a fitness partner.