The warm, long days of summer are a source of encouragement to get outdoors and make changes that can lead to a healthier you!

If you’re excited about pushing your body to a new level of physical fitness, but you’re unsure where to begin, take advantage of the summertime to sculpt the body you’ve been wanting.

Here are five fun and exciting ways to get in shape this summer:

1. Join a gym. Allow the beautiful weather to motivate you to change, but consider a gym membership as a tool to support you in that change. The sunshine may beckon you outdoors, but the heat may stop your momentum dead in its tracks. An air-conditioned gym with state-of-the-art exercise equipment may be just what you need.

• Whether you want to build muscle or simply tone up and shed a few pounds, a gym membership allows you to design a workout program that works best for you.

• If you go with friends, you can all provide moral support and keep each other on track. With others involved, you’re more likely to avoid procrastination and keep working out.

• You can have a successful exercise program without a gym membership. But the gym is one tool in your arsenal. When the weather is too hot or it’s raining outside, you’ll still be able to get a quality workout and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with every step forward.

2. Pick up an old sport. Did you play basketball or baseball in high school? Summer recreational leagues offer opportunities for you to get in shape while rekindling that competitive fire you had in your youth.

• Even if you didn’t play sports, you can begin this summer. You may find that you’re better at it than you thought you would be. Sports are a great way to get excited about getting in shape, and summer leagues may be the ticket to getting you off of the couch and into the game.

3. Go for a bike ride. A bicycle ride through the scenic parts of your town is a fun way to get in shape. Enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings, the warm sunshine, and a terrific cardiovascular workout.

• Riding a bike can be as strenuous or as leisurely as you like. Some days, you may want to push yourself with a fast pace. Other days, you may feel tired and in need of rejuvenation. With a bike ride, you can still get a good workout and recharge your batteries at the same time.

4. Develop a morning or evening routine. If you’re just getting started with a personal fitness plan this summer, keep it simple. Try a set of push-ups and a set of sit-ups every morning.

• Begin with small steps that are easy to fit into your busy morning or evening. That way, you’re more likely to stick with the program until you see the results you deserve.

• If the warm weather and beautiful sunshine are calling your name, start small and plan ahead. A short, slow jog first thing in the morning will begin your day with a sense of accomplishment.

• As you become more comfortable and the workout becomes a habit, you can challenge yourself by adding repetitions, time, or distance to the simple plan you’ve created.

5. Maintain a healthy diet. A healthy eating plan is essential to your success. The heat of summer and the additional stress on your body from your commitment to exercise requires the proper fuel. Most importantly, drink plenty of water.

• If you begin to think of the food you’re putting into your mouth as fuel for the fit body you deserve, you’ll start making better choices that support your new lifestyle.

By following these simple steps this summer, you’ll be well on your way to becoming more fit. You’ll create momentum and establish a lifestyle of active fitness that is sure to lead to the fit body you crave!

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: holisticspeaker@gmail.com

Time alone can be healthy and peaceful. But a life of true fulfillment includes time with others as well. Spend time with friends and family this summer to stretch your comfort zone and experience the joy and fulfillment you deserve. In the summer, your choices for fun activities that promote companionship are almost endless.

Conversations keep your mind sharp. Physical games keep your body active and fit. For a balanced lifestyle that promotes your happiness, include activities with others that keep you sharp physically and mentally.

Staying Mentally Fit This Summer

Summer is a great time to be outside. But when the rain comes or the temperatures become too hot for outdoor activity, summer provides you with a chance to relax and develop your mind instead.

When your body is physically worn out from the longer days and physical activity of summer, go inside for mental games that challenge your creativity, focus and concentration. That way, your mind will experience the same summer growth and renewal as your body.

When the heat of the day gives way to the nighttime sky, play games with friends around a campfire. Relax on the beach under the stars. Enjoy stimulating conversation with those you love about the things that are important to you. Whether at play or rest, you’re never far away from an opportunity to learn and grow.

Not sure what you can do to increase your mental fitness this summer? It’s easy to forget some of the mentally challenging activities you have available at this time of year. Here are a few life-giving choices you might not have considered:

• Go shopping with friends for games to play together.
• Debate an issue that you’re passionate about. (No need to fight, though!)
• Ask others to share something that’s important to them.
• Talk about any aspect of life that you deem important.
• Discuss the potential existence of an afterlife.
• Learn something related to science together.
• Take a class to learn a new skill or a new language together.

The key to making the most of this summer is to take advantage of the social opportunities around you. Stretch your imagination and act as if it’s impossible for you to fail. The fitness and happiness you desire can be yours if you take full advantage of the companionship of others in the warm summer heat.

Balance Physical Activities With Mental Inspiration

Summer is the season to be physically active in the outdoors. Beach volleyball, running, and playing in the park are popular activities that get your heart pumping and your body moving. But slowing down once in a while is important, too.

A picnic with friends, for example, can provide stimulating conversation that keeps your mind sharp and active while giving your body the rest that it needs to thrive. The key is to balance activity for your body with relaxation and mental stimulation.

Spending time with others allows you to learn more about them and connect with them on a deeper level than you ever thought possible. Seek opportunities to share your summer with others. If you do, you’ll continually improve physically and mentally. You’ll also develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with the people you care about most.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: cheryl@cherylyprice.com

Getting started with a walking routine can sometimes feel like a daunting task but if you follow some basic guidelines you’ll be walking and reaching your goals before you know it.

It’s important to remember that if you are new to walking you will need to gradually build up your routine. It’s best to start out slowly and increase the amount of time you spend walking each day or week. Although the Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes of exercise daily you may have to start lower than that, depending on your current activity level.

Set small goals for yourself when beginning a walking routine. It’s much easier to see yourself losing five pounds than fifty pounds and you’re less likely to lose faith if you are continually hitting small goals along the way to better health. This also pertains to setting time and distance goals. If you start too quickly you may not be able to keep your pace up.

You need to make it a habit. If you only walk sporadically you are less likely to stick with your program, whereas if you do it at least five times a week you will find that it will become a part of your daily routine and your body will miss it if you don’t do it.

Keep up a good pace while walking. This is especially important if you are doing it with a friend. Many times people find themselves talking to each other and as they do this they unconsciously slow down. It’s important to know what your target heart rate should be and check it periodically while walking to make sure that you are getting the most out of your exercise time.

Staying hydrated is important so that you can maintain the right level of exercise while taking care of your body. Dehydration is a serious condition and it can affect you even after working out. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your walking routine.

Watch out and stay safe. It’s best to walk where there are other people or with others, walking during the day or on well lighted streets or walking areas, make sure friends and family know where and when you take your walks, and if you can’t find a safe area to walk outside then consider purchasing a treadmill or joining a gym.

Always remember to check with your doctor before starting a walking routine, or any exercise program. It’s also important, if you are walking to lose weight, that you eat healthy in order to promote adequate weight loss.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: cheryl@cherylyprice.com