We’ve been talking about what to do when it gets so hot outside you may not  want to stay with your normal exercise routine.  Well, here are some ideas that will help you no matter what it’s like outside!           

If it’s too hot to even leave your house and head to the YMCA, move the furniture, take the telephone off the hook, put in an exercise DVD and get at it. Whether you do cardio, Pilates,  taebo or dance, you’re sure to get a great workout in the comfort of your own home. Check out my From Faith to Fit program – it has an awesome cardio workout and a separate abs/pilates workout.  You can read more about it on the home page at www.higherfitness.com.

But you say, “Marty, I don’t like most exercise DVDS. I’m old school. I like basic moves—not all the dance and choreography.” Well, then do a basic workout such as: 20 front lunges (making sure your knee doesn’t extend past your ankle as you go forward); 20 squats (legs should be shoulder-width apart as you sit back, like you’re sitting into a chair); 20 plies (legs should be part with toes pointed outward); 20 knee lifts; 20 front kicks; 20 pushups (girl style, on your knees, is fine); 50 abdominal crunches (making sure you don’t pull on your neck as you come up); 50 lower abdominal lifts (making sure you don’t rock as you lift); and finally incorporate some static stretching. If you need some additional exercise ideas, check out my book “Marty’s Top Ten: Diet & Fitness Strategies” which will guide you through a safe workout.

Whether you choose to exercise outside or inside during these dog days of summer, ask the Lord to bless your workout. He will because He loves you and wants you to be fit and healthy so that you can fulfill the calling upon your life. Enjoy these summer months, and keep on pressing toward your fitness goals. You can do it! No sweat…OK, maybe a little sweat.