For many students the summer signifies a time of care-free living. More often than not you’ve gone back home to live with your family whilst you under-go the transition in your accommodation and get ready for your next academic year at university. Unfortunately for some students it can mean the long nights, poolside BBQs and those long party holidays can see some students staying out of shape. BUT fear not my fellow students, there are ways of maintaining a healthy life style whilst you continue to have fun, stay healthy and look great all summer long with some of these basic tips.

Participate in community-sponsored activities
Many communities within your home area offer sponsored activities throughout the summer such as long walks, week-long treks and 5, 10 or 15k runs. You can either participate alone or with a family member, friend or even a larger group of people. A great way to get to know your area and community.

Work out in the morning
You don’t need to fully ditch your work out ritual if you can commit to those early mornings and working out before the sun has fully come up where its rays can be more intense on a long run. There are many great reasons why working out in the morning can benefit your body. The fresh air in your lungs, watching the sun rising in the sky and enjoying the peacefulness of your surroundings before everyone is up and about can keep you feeling energised for the rest of the day. Go for a brisk walk with yours or the neighbour’s dog, swim a few lengths or try out a new hobby like rollerblading with a friend. You really can push yourself into new and exciting ways of exercising without it becoming too repetitive.

Stay hydrated with the right stuff
Childhood summer time favourites such as iced-lemonade can seem refreshing but they really must only be consumed in moderation as the sugar in the drinks can leave you feeling more thirsty than when you started and craving more. Plus they add on those unwanted calories when you don’t even realise it. During exercise, especially in the summer months it is more important to stay hydrated by drinking water and the usual amount you should be drinking is measured by your body’s weight. So, for example, if you weigh 120lbs, you would need to drink 60oz of water a day in order to stay hydrated and banish those dehydrated headaches!

Enjoy indoor activities
If exercising in the morning really isn’t your thing, you can still get in a good daily work out by exercising indoors where the sun isn’t beating down on your skin and the temperature remains cool. Head to your nearby outdoor gym, as most are designed to be in the shade where the temperate can be cooler than based in an open field directly under the sun, plus they are free to use! Get yourself a treadmill and run up hill for 20 minutes or so. Power walk through a mall and do some window shopping, or head to your local leisure centre and see what sports you can join there. Why not try some wall climbing to build your strength and tackle those fears of heights? You will be amazed just how much you can do if you try. If the sun is too unbearable, you could always Google your local ice-rink and pretend you’re in those colder months of the year for a good all body work out.

Whatever method of exercising you decide to do when you’re home for the summer share them below so that others can join in your routine. Sharing tips can help and motivate others to become fit and healthy during the best months of the British year!

 

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