Summer Exercise…No Sweat!

Anna Delany and Jeanne Crawford

Is your idea of a mid-summer workout hoisting a beer from your vantage point by the pool? Is sweating your primary activity in January? By Australia Day are you toned and pumped to, err... power-lift those snaggers off the bbq?

Summer heat can exhaust us physically and mentally, and often the heat serves as a perfect excuse not to exercise. As this hot, sticky season blasts us with its full force, it's a good idea to think about what form your exercise will take this summer, and to devise ways in which you can continue to exercise despite the heat. While you don't want to risk your health in oppressive temperatures, consider activities that are fun, energising, and - most of all - that won't leave you out of shape!

Read more :

• Cool options for summer exercise
• Heat-proofing your workout
• Keeping motivated

Cool options for summer exercise

Any activity that involves water is obviously your best bet for avoiding heat (and excuses) in summer. If you're one of those fortunate people for whom "summertime" and "poolside activities" go hand-in-hand, just make sure your "poolside activity" involves actually getting into the pool. Even if you are not a gilled Olympian, just walking in shoulder- or chest-deep water will burn calories effectively. Try water aerobics for something a little different - it's one of the best calorie-burning, muscle-building exercises you can do in the pool. And if you've got kids or grandkids, you should know what a workout "life-guarding" can be, especially if you're in that pool playing with them!

Even more fortunate than "pool-siders" are beach folk. If surf and sand are accessible, not too many people are going to accept any exercise-avoiding excuses you try to deliver. And you don't have to sport a bikini or ride waves to get fit at the beach - just wading into the shallows or walking along the sand is invigorating, and good for your body, mind and spirit. Throw a ball around with the kids or build a sandcastle. Even go for a swim!

No beach or pool nearby, and you still want to stay in shape without overheating? That's actually not too much of a problem if your home is air-conditioned, or if you frequent an air-conditioned gym. Even if you are feeling overwhelmed by the heat, just remember that once you're where it's cool, the heat won't be a problem. Get yourself to an air-conditioned climate where you can do a slow, heat-free workout. You'll feel much better and more able to cope with the heat once you're done.

But if the temperature of your house only comes in two settings - hot and humid - or you want to get your exercise outdoors, remember you have options other than a mid-day jog. If the heat drops off at night where you live, and it's safe to be outside, then try walking, jogging, or cycling after dark. Night time exercise is enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing. Use good lights if you're cycling, and wear reflective clothing at night for visibility. Hook up with an exercise companion (even if it's your dog) both for the company and the increased safety. If you're an early riser, morning can also be a cooler time to exercise.

Finally, if you've got a stack of old workout videos and DVDs sitting on the shelf, now's a good time to dust them off. When it's just too hot to go outside, then stay in front of the TV to burn your calories! Switch the fan on, get an ice-cold bottle of water from the fridge, put your workout tape in, press play, and go for it!