Five helpful tips for a healthy, active summer of running and overall fitness
Posted June 25th, 2007 at 9:00 AM by thefinalsprint.com
Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Motivation, Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Supplements, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise
The following article was written by TFS guest contributor Dr. Larry Robinson. For more about Dr. Robinson, check out the “About Dr. Robinson” section at the conclusion of the article.
1. Use the summer weather to increase your outdoor activity:
“From running and baseball games in the park to weekend getaways hiking, biking and canoeing, summer’s the perfect time to get in shape without a daily trip to the gym,” says Dr. Robinson. “Use the season to start a new sport you’ve always been interested in that can carry you through the holidays, New Year’s resolutions and colder weather.”
Of course check with your physician first if you have any physical concerns, and always start off easy. If you’re prone to heat stroke or exhaustion, take advantage of dusk and dawn to complete your fitness activity. And, as always, drink plenty of water and don’t forget the sunscreen for daytime outdoor activities.
2. Make sure to incorporate stretching before and after a fitness routine:
Though it should be practiced year-round, take advantage of the hot, humid weather to loosen and elongate muscles.
“It’s no coincidence that some forms of yoga require a 105-degree room to maximize performance,” says Dr. Robinson.
In addition to increasing flexibility, stretching can improve circulation, relieve stress and may help prevent fitness-related injury.
3. Don’t be fooled into thinking warm-weather serves as a shield against illness:
“It’s natural to equate favorable weather and lots of outdoor fun with an illness-free attitude,” says Dr. Robinson. “The fact is summer colds, fevers and flu—and of course, allergies—are still possible.”
Pay attention to your immune system year-round and consider an immune balancing supplement to regulate the peaks and valleys of your system throughout the year.
4. Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables:
“Blueberries and cranberries consistently top good nutrition charts due to their high levels of antioxidants, and have been positively linked to improving cardiovascular and immune systems in addition to reducing cancer,” says Dr. Robinson.
Find unique ways to incorporate them into your diet through protein shakes, a topping for a high-fiber cereal or as a flavor burst to plain yogurt. The potassium found in bananas, avocados, apricots and soybeans aides in proper muscle contraction - a must for serious and recreational athletes.
5. Make fitness a family affair:
Summertime offers a much-needed break for kids and students, but as parents, make sure that break doesn’t turn into a three-month commitment to the couch or computer desk. From simple family walks to setting up a backyard badminton court or a Frisbee ring in the park, everyone will benefit from some family-focused fitness.
About Dr. Robinson:
Following his Ph.D., Dr. Larry Robinson has spent more than 25 years in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food ingredient industries. He currently serves as vice president of scientific affairs for Embria Health Sciences, which produces the immune balancing product, EpiCor.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
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