Working Out in Warm Weather

Spring has sprung – so take advantage of the beautiful weather before it gets too hot. Now is the perfect time to amp up your workout by taking it outdoors.

Go take a hike
Literally! The desert mountains surrounding our Valley offer fabulous trails for every skill level. Be prepared before you head out for a hike, however, and research the trails so you know what to expect. Don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen, wear a hat and protective shoes and bring plenty of water.
Park it
Our parks are not only great for kids but adults as well. Many feature exercise equipment right there on site along with instructions as to how to use each piece. Even if your local park doesn’t have specific exercise equipment, you can get a great workout just doing what your kids do – climbing the monkey bars, swinging and just plain running around. Do sprints in the grass and make up your own outdoors routine (jumping jacks, lunges, etc.) as your kids play.
Run, baby, run
You need little more than a pair of supportive running shoes to enjoy a fantastic jog around your neighborhood. Amp up your run by setting it to music with Pandora or the perfect playlist on your smartphone or iPod.
Take an outdoor class
Many fitness organizations offer outdoor classes this time of year. If you’re a new mom, check out Stroller Strides, where you can bring baby along in his stroller as you exercise, or check out an outdoor boot camp or yoga class.
Jump rope
If you are limited on time, jumping rope is an excellent way to tone your whole body in just minutes a day. Get a good quality jump rope from a sports store and set aside 10 to 15 minutes per day to “jump” into fitness!
Get up early
Take advantage of the cool mornings by getting up and doing your workout before work or the rest of your hectic day begins. Many find that working out in the morning is the best time to get it done and out of the way so they are not anticipating (or dreading!) it all day long.