Easy Health Tips

When you’re exercising in the summer, you will almost certainly sweat a lot.  This is the body’s way of cooling itself off, and it’s normal.  It can even help us lose weight.  But it also means we’re losing water.  If we don’t replace it, we could become dehydrated.

It’s extremely important to drink plenty of water in the summer, especially when we’re exercising.  Becoming dehydrated increases our risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.  Here are some tips for staying hydrated during summer workouts:

• Stay away from caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages.  They are very dehydrating.
• Drink plenty of water every day.  While there is some debate over whether we really need eight glasses, it is a good idea to drink at least a few glasses of water each day even if you’re not exercising. It helps wash toxins out of your system and aids in building new cells, and it will keep you from being dehydrated when you start working out.
• Always keep water nearby when you’re working out.  Drink it throughout your workout, even if you are not thirsty.  A good rule of thumb is 16 ounces an hour when you’re doing an intense workout in hot weather.
• If you’re participating in a really strenuous activity, or you work out for more than an hour at a time, drink a sports drink with a good electrolyte balance.  This will replace the sodium and other vital nutrients that you lose through heavy sweating.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.  These are good for you in a number of ways, one of which is keeping you hydrated as they are very high in water content.
• If you’re not sure whether or not you’re getting enough water, check your urine.  If it’s dark in color, you need to drink more. The more water you consume, the clearer it will be.

Hydration is always important to your health, but it becomes even more crucial when you’re working up a sweat.  Watching your water intake is essential.  While it is possible to drink too much water, it is hard to do when you’re exercising in the summer heat. So keep the water handy, and drink it liberally.

In today’s busy world, it is hard to find time to do all of the things we need and want to do.  Most of us have precious little free time on our hands, and what free time we do have we probably want to spend relaxing.  This often results in things like workouts being pushed to the side.

What many busy people don’t realize is that working out is worthwhile in more ways than one.  Yes, it gets us in better shape, but that’s not all.  It also increases our energy levels, allowing us to be more productive.  It reduces stress, giving us a better attitude.  Working out also reduces our risk for numerous health problems.  When you look at all these benefits, it’s easy to see why making time for a daily workout is so important.  Here are some ways you can fit in a workout:

• Get up early and start your day with a workout.  You don’t have to seriously disrupt your sleep pattern.  Just 20 or 30 minutes each day, or an hour three or four times a week, is enough of a workout to make a noticeable difference.
• Go for a walk or jog during your breaks at work.  You won’t work up a sweat like you would at a regular workout, but it’s a start.
• Hit a nearby gym during your lunch hour.  You can get in a half hour workout and still have a half hour to eat.
• Are you unable to fit in a workout because of the kids?  Sign up for a Mommy and Me class.  If that doesn’t work for you, enlist the help of a friend in the same situation.  Have her help you with your kids while you work out, and do the same for her.
• Substitute a workout for your daily TV time.  Will your life really be less complete if you miss that certain show?  If you truly can’t bear to miss it, work out while you watch.
• Find a set of workout videos that you enjoy.  Keep them in a place where you will see them often, and make it a point to work out whenever you have some free time.  This works well if you have a highly unpredictable schedule.  Just remember to shoot for at least three good workouts each week for maximum benefit.

Finding time for a workout sometimes seems like an impossible task, but it’s not.  If you can set aside 30 minutes to an hour each day, you can get in enough physical activity to make a noticeable difference.  Once you see how much better you feel with regular workouts, you’ll be more motivated to fit them into your schedule.