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Parenting OC

Elaine Gjonovich contributes her advice in the 'Ask the Experts' section of Parenting OC August 2009 issue.

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Remember to move, strengthen, stretch, repair

Summer is the season for vacation, barbecues and lazy beach days.

So how do we maintain fitness levels with so many temptations?

The best way to stay fit this summer is to schedule your workouts on your personal calendar. Making fun fitness choices will help the task be less arduous.

Understanding that your physical body requires movement, strengthening, stretching and repairing for anabolic fitness health will help you prioritize your fitness choices and activities.

Movement (hiking, trail running, bicycle riding, swimming, kayaking, surfing) will strengthen your cardiopulmonary system and burn extra calories.

Strengthening (boot camp, weight lifting, power lifting) will increase lean tissue mass and decrease fat while increasing your metabolism.

Stretching (Pilates, yoga, tai chi) will encourage flexibility and increase muscular balance. Maintaining flexibility through stretching has been proved to eliminate pain caused by muscular imbalance.

Repairing your body is just as vital as moving, strengthening and stretching. After your workout it is very important to repair your muscles and cardiopulmonary system through proper rest and nutrition.

This is where lazy summer beach days come in. Relaxing at the beach can help you repair your body and experience better results. The proper amount of rest and sleep helps maintain hormone levels, repair muscle and alleviate stress.

To sum up – plan ahead, schedule your sensible workouts and fun activities as part of your regular summer fitness routine, then make time to relax. Don't forget your healthy snacks and proper hydration for better recovery.

This article was also found in the
Orange County Register
July 17, 2009