Originally published July 20 2005
Mix up your summer exercise routines to get more time outdoors
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Shannon Simmons, a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and columnist for the Statesman Journal, says it's okay to alter your summer exercise routine to allow for more time outdoors in the warm weather, however, she warns not to completely neglect weight training and other activities that can be done more easily at the gym.
Question: Now that it is summer I am thinking about quitting my gym membership and taking up jogging outdoors.
I enjoy being outside to exercise, but I don't want to lose the strength I've gained in the weight room.
Answer: I think that getting outdoors and jogging is a great way to change up your routine and enjoy the beautiful weather (when we have it).
Jogging outdoors definitely challenges your body in ways that the treadmill does not, by giving you varying grades and terrain.
If you know you will be running in the heat, carry ice water in a runner's water pack that goes around your waist.
It is hard to maintain your strength gains without actually strength training.
If you feel like you want to spend more time outside and less time in the gym, try changing your routine to lifting twice a week instead of three or four times a week.
That might mean spending more time in the weight room while you're there, but you can focus your other days outside jogging.
If you are lifting weights less, make sure you eat plenty of protein in your diet to sustain the muscle you have.
I would aim for at least 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight a day.
If you miss a few sessions of weight training, then do calisthenics, such as push-ups, body-weight squats, and ab exercises.
The summer time seems to be a nice time to jump in the pool for some laps.
Sometimes clubs offer specials in the summer and it is a great time to ask a friend (maybe your jogging partner) to join and come lift weights with you.
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