Arizona’s summer has kicked in with a vengeance, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your workout routine on the back burner just because it feels too hot to exercise.
Instead of using the heat as another excuse to skip your workout, get creative! Here’s 8 ways you can jump start your motivation to add beat the heat in your workouts!
1. Take your toughest workouts inside – or do them early! Training outside is one of the advantages of living in Arizona, but the head can put a damper on that. Try getting up for your morning run, or see what elements of your workout you can do indoors.
2. Run in the rain! Yes, it’s hot out – but Monsoon is coming! If it’s raining in your neighborhood – lace up your running shoes and enjoy a run in the rain!
3. Get wet! If you or your friends have a pool – try taking your workout underwater. Or, take up a new sport like paddleboarding (check out Tempe Town Lake for rentals), or set up a friendly game of pool volleyball!
4. Act like a kid again – If your yard has sprinklers – try taking your workout out to your yard when your sprinklers are running – keeps you cool while adding some fun to your workout!
5. Hit the waterpark – with two water parks in the Phoenix area, why not take a day with your friends or your kids and go play in a wave pool!
6. Set up a mini-trialthlon – get a bit competitive, and keep your long term fitness goals! Plan a mini triathlon with some friends – something like a 20 minute run, 30 minute bike, and then finish with a few laps in a pool.
7. Take a cold shower before your workout – it can help you get started and keep your motivation going.
8. Double up on liquids – you’re going to sweat more, so you’ll need more water. And, don’t just “liquid up” right before your workout – up your water all day – before, during and after your workouts as well.
