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 Summer Slim Down
10 Buff Body Tips
by Michael Stefano
SUMMER 2006
"My program is a no-nonsense approach to exercise and weight loss that will not only get you fit, but also fit into your life". -MS
You've waited all winter, and now it's time to get out there and strut your stuff. From poolside barbecues to long days at the beach, there's no shortage of stuff to do during the precious summer months.
Miss a few workouts and your buff body will start to slip away faster than the outgoing tide. So when it's finally time to bare all, how can you maintain your fitness or weight loss gains if there's so much else to do besides workout?
Here's my top 10 list on how to stay fit for summer without sacrificing fun.
1. Drink as much water as possible
Don't get caught in the soda, juice or flavored coffee trap. During warm weather your body needs additional hydration. Be sure that it's calorie-free. Water is a natural appetite suppressant, and most times your hunger is your body asking for water -- not food.
2. Eat light
This one's a no-brainer. Hot temps can significantly reduce your appetite. Be sure to eat a few light, but well-rounded meals throughout the day, and don't make a habit of chowing down on heavy, high-fat, nutritionally bare foods such as cheese burgers and fries.
3. Play for exercise
Make some of your summer fun, active fun. You might consider joining a volleyball league, go hiking or cycling, and of course swimming are great exercise. Get into your kids activities, such as helping out with coaching of their soccer team.
4. Walk, don't ride
As long as the mercury hasn't climbed to dangerous levels (above ninety degrees), make a habit of leaving the car at home whenever possible. If consistent, the extra caloric output will be much more than you can generate artificially (exercising).
5. Fire the lawn guy
Don't underestimate the amount of physical exertion it takes to landscape. Mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, planting flowers, are great exercise if approached with the right mindset and a brisk pace.
6. Workout early morning
If you like to train outside, take advantage of the cool morning air. Workout before the heat of the day has a chance to fry you and the surface you'll be training on.
7. Play it cool in the gym
If you have control of the thermostat in your gym (or home), keep the workout area as cool as possible. Contrary to popular belief, hot temps do not enhance a workout, but rather hinder performance and ultimate physical adaptations.
8. Day at the beach
Get up and move around when at the beach or picnicking. A long walk in the sand or game of touch football will provide plenty of stimulation to your leg muscles and a much needed caloric burn.
9. Become a maller
Across the country, early morning mall walking groups are becoming increasingly popular in both the hot and cold weather. Today's expansive shopping centers provide ample walking surface without just moving in a monotonous circle.
10. Summer Slim Down - The Program
Develop a short, but effective mini-program that can be done in 20 minutes or less. A program such as this will be enough to hold you over for a week or two, or even the entire summer (if approached intelligently). Beginners should find the program very challenging, and I recommend it as a practical way to introduce exercise into your life. Go to: >> 2-Move Dynamic Resistance Drill
 MICHAEL STEFANO is the creator and author of the Firefighter's Workout (Harper Collins 2000). Mr. Stefano is a health and fitness writer, contributor to eDiets, eFitness, and Firehouse.Com. Michael's articles have appeared on AOL, MSN, and Yahoo! His workouts have been featured in magazine and newspapers from around the country, as well as in numerous network and cable TV segments. He also offers an online version of his FitFlash custom program, via a comprehensive 22-point fitness profile form.
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