summer exercise

Pump up Your Summer Energy!

“I want to be active, but I am always so tired.”  Sound familiar?

Now that summer’s here, you’re probably excited about all the things you can do in warm, sunny weather. But doing all these things takes a lot of energy!

When you think of energy, most people immediately think physical, but it’s so much more.

Domains of Resilience covers 4 areas.

  • Physical – Physical flexibility, Endurance, Strength

  • Emotional – Emotional flexibility, Positive outlook, Self-regulation (which means the ability to understand and manage your behavior and your reactions to feelings and things happening around you.)

  • Spiritual – Spiritual flexibility, Commitment to values, Tolerance of others

  • Mental – Mental flexibility, Attention span, Ability to focus


Do you need to work on one of these areas? Do you have a plan that you are going to implement to get the most out of your weight loss surgery tool?

Maintain your vitality so you can make the most of your summer.

Consider these ideas.

 

Take care of your emotional needs.

You’re the only person who knows exactly what you require to satisfy your emotional side. Mental strength will help your physical well-being. Do whatever is necessary to ensure your emotional needs are satisfied, whether that’s surrounding yourself with good friends, staying close to family, or practicing the hobbies that bring you joy. Nothing invigorates you more than feeling content and happy with yourself and your life.

 

Get your vitamins and minerals.

Even though experts recommend a multivitamin daily, this is meant to be taken in addition to a balanced diet of whole foods. If you are a weight loss patient, vitamins are essential! View our previous blog and visit our friends at Bariatric Fusion here: https://bariatriccenterforsuccess.com/trusted-partners/

 

Avoid heavy foods.

When the opportunity to take part in a fun, physical activity arises, you want to feel ready! Eating rich, fattening foods makes you want to sit down and watch TV, so you can assume it’s not doing much to pump up your energy reserves. Instead, choose lean meats, vegetables, and foods filled with fiber, such as whole grains.

 

Sleep well.

Getting restful, deep sleep is necessary for your mental health. And to have plenty of energy during these active summer days, you’ll need plenty of shut-eye to give your body time to rejuvenate. Aim for 7-8 hours.

 

Plan ahead.

To keep yourself from feeling stressed out and hurried, have an idea of what you want to do over the next 3 or 4 days. I find Sunday afternoons make a great day for me to plan out my weekly menus and exercise schedule. Making a note of what you hope to do means you’ll also plan to achieve balance regarding your activity, rest, and rejuvenation.

 

Look your best.

Summertime is the time to show off your assets.

  • How you feel about your appearance is closely connected to how you feel about yourself. You’ll feel emotionally energized when you believe you’re looking great.
  • Go for items that flatter your new weight-loss body and attitude.
  • Make a list of items that you hope to purchase as you meet your goals.

 

Smile more.

Think “fun in the sun.” You look confident, strong, and completely revitalized when you smile. Did you know it takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 to smile!!

 

Be active.

Sit less. Move around more. Whether you’re in the house completing a task, shopping, running errands, out boating, camping, or playing with the kids, you’re more vibrant when you’re fully engaged. Think of activities that you enjoy and make them a part of your summer activities!

 

Vary your activities to keep your energy flowing.

Even if you love playing golf, a change of pace can revitalize you. Ride bikes with your kids. Jog around the block with your teenage son or daughter. Finish the yard work in between other activities. Chair exercises are great too!

 

Pace yourself.

Allow blocks of time to rest, read, watch television, or listen to your favorite music. Doing what you love and resting sufficiently will give you plenty of energy to stay active.

 

There’s no big secret to revitalization. Try the tips above to stay in your best shape emotionally, physically, and mentally. Get started today and pump up your vitality this summer!

    More Great Resources...

    Chair Abs Workout Seated Core Exercises for Seniors & Beginners

    These exercises are perfect for those who do not want to get down on the floor to work your core and abdominals. This video will instruct you through lots of different moves working all sections of your abs. You will stay in a seated position the entire time, but beware, it’s not as easy as it looks!

    Make sure you have a sturdy chair for this workout. Preferably without side arms so you have a full range of movement.  Watch more videos here! https://www.youtube.com/@SeniorShapeFitness

    Beginner Chair and Counter Workout

    This workout beginner workout is courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.

    It utilizes leg strength while seated in a chair or standing at a counter/sink. Take breaks during the workout and modify exercises as needed. Feel free to adjust the reps and increase or decrease according to activity level. Enjoy!

    Warm up:
    Spend 5-8 mins getting your body moving. Take a look at the exercises below and complete a few of these movements with a nice, easy and smooth movement pattern.

    Chair workout:
    Repeat 2-3X

    1. Seated marching – 15 each leg
    2. Seated shoulder rolls –
      10 forward and 10 backward
    3. Seated leg kicks – 10 each leg
    4. Seated arm circles –
      10 forward and 10 backward
    5. Sit to stands – 10
      (cross arms on chest and stand all the way up, sit down and repeat. May use arms as needed)
    6. Rest until ready to repeat

    Counter workout:
    Repeat 2-3X

    1. Heel raises – 15
    2. Marching – 15 each leg
    3. Butt kicks – 15 each leg
    4. Leg kicks out to the side – 15 each leg
    5. Straight leg kick backs – 15 each leg (keeping your leg straight, kick straight back behind you)
    6. Rest until ready to repeat

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    Denise Roden, NBC-HWC

    National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
    Bariatric Center for Success, President

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