Now that the sun has finally come out of hiding and the textbooks have gone into hibernation until the fall (well, for most of us) it’s time to be active. Movie marathons are only for rainy days or late summer nights, so when the sun is out you should be too! Here are some tips to make staying active just part of the fun of summer.

Tip #1: Squeeze in a morning hike
Trade in the treadmill, get up early and start your day with some fresh air! Yes, trust me I know you are reading and saying, “Umm summer is for sleeping in!” But do you want to know who doesn’t sleep in? ….Victoria’s Secret Models. Am I saying a hike will make you look like a Victoria’s Secret Model? Sadly, no. However, getting up earlier around nine or ten and walking around two to three miles will get your metabolism started early and working for longer as any sort of motion gets it going. Grab some friends, get some coffee and get going! Hikes are great because you get to strengthen your leg muscles, you still burn a ton of calories and its not as strenuous as other physical activities for those that are less gifted in cardio performance.

*Get on the 65 or the 67 bus towards Tilden Park for a hike! Seriously, the views are amazing and there are so many wonderful trails that you are bound to find at least…all of them super awesome and will have to come back to explore. Don’t forget your camera!*

Tip #2: Train for a 5k
I know many people associate running with pain but running is the best form of cardio for you! A 5K translates to about 3.1 miles so don’t be intimidated by the way it sounds; this mileage is totally doable for anyone. The key is to be consistent with your training, which means that you need to set a running goal each day you plan on working out and you have to stick to it! Always make sure to give yourself rest days each week so that your muscles have time to recover. Here’s a simple beginner running schedule to follow and a simple internet search will give you more advanced running schedules for more experienced runners. It’s amazing how you can improve your endurance in a few, short weeks. Signing up for a charity run is also a great way to practice running in a competitive atmosphere and challenge yourself for a faster time!

Tip #3: Find balance
If you want to be more fit, healthy and strong, eating empty calories and foods that lack nutritional value are not going to cut it. We tend to associate healthy food with bland, tasteless choices but it’s possible to get the best of both worlds! There’s no way you should turn down a slice or two of Cheeseboard for lunch with friends, but I wouldn’t advise getting a burger and fries for dinner – sauté some veggies and chicken for an awesome stir fry instead! It’s important to balance your food choices. You can be fit and still eat “unhealthy” foods but as you should already know, its all about moderation! Try to cook at home; you’ll eat less, probably make something healthier than fast food and save money.

For more tips on healthy eating, exercise and more, visit websites such as: Runner’s World, Fitness Magazine, and Livestrong.

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