What’s not to love about summer I ask you??!! The days are longer, the weather warmer and spirits and clothing lighter. We have more time and opportunity both to relax AND to get outdoors and do the activities we enjoy.
Depending on where you are in your lapband journey you may be just starting to get more active and physically fit, or you may already be reaping the rewards of improved health and mobility.
Getting (or staying) active doesn’t mean having to take up activities you don’t enjoy. Research has shown that the more you enjoy an activity, the more likelihood you will continue to perform the activity. If you are just starting out, walking is one of the best ways to go. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and you are off to the races so to speak!
With the warm weather, swimming is not only a great way to beat the heat, but is also an excellent way to get active without putting stress on achy joints. Many public pools and community centres offer excellent water aerobic programs designed to give both a cardiovascular workout and to provide resistance training for muscle conditioning as well.
Find what you love to do and make time in your day to do it. Getting active has to be as much a part of your day as as brushing your teeth. Look for opportunities to move more wherever you can. This could mean going for a walk at lunch, doing some seated abdominal exercises at your desk, walking with a friend in the morning, firing the kid who mows your lawn and doing it yourself, going to the driving range after work. We need to see these things as something we want and deserve to do rather than as something we HAVE to do.
Just keep a few things in mind whether you are just starting to become more active or are a seasoned fitness freak:
1. Stay hydrated. Try to drink 250-500mls 30-60 minutes before your planned activity. Keep adequate water with you and drink throughout your activity. By the time you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. (A good way to determine your hydration is by the colour of your urine..dark yellow usually means you are dehydrated).
2. Wear your sunblock, light layers and a hat.
3. Do not exercise during the heat of the day, aim for early morning or evening.
4. Most of all, love what you do and do what you love. Stick with it and have fun!
Yours in Health and Fitness,
Sue
P.s. Follow me on my blog @ Bodywell Fitness!