Image by Cornell University Library via Flickr

Right about now you are probably doing everything you can to get out of the gym and into the outdoors but you don’t want to completely give up your workouts. So, here are a few summer fitness tips that will take you outside for some enjoyable and healthy activities.

Most experts agree that a well rounded fitness and/or diet program begins with breakfast every morning. There is the excuse in winter that you are just too warm and comfortable in your bed to get up and make breakfast; however, during the summer there is no reason not to get up and make a nutritious breakfast.

Along those same lines with summer comes an endless supply of many different types of vegetables and fruits and you should try to include a minimum of five servings a day. Be sure to try different things so that you can get the benefit of many nutrients.

Why not try learning a new water sport or reviving an old one? Head out to a local lake or river and test your canoeing or kayaking skills. This will provide a great core and upper body workout while keeping you cool.

If you are looking to develop more power then you may want to check out plyometrics; it is a great way boost power and muscle mass and can be done outside. A fast workout would include jump squats, clap pushups, burpees and jump lunges; all designed to burn fat.

Another quick way to get in shape and add muscle definition to the upper body is to rock climb. Invest in some lessons first and then head out to a real mountain to tryout your new skills.

If you are a parent then summer is the perfect time for spending quality time with your child. Plan a camping or fishing trip or just go for a long hike; great as a way to get some exercise while teaching them about the great outdoors.

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When you talk about exercise and workout programs with a personal trainer most agree that the best ones include a muscle confusion technique which is exactly what this program does; any time that you change something often enough the more of a workout it gets and the better the results will be. To follow are some pro’s and con’s on the program as stated by some “regular” people:

Pros

Most agree that Tony’s P90X program’s energy level is both motivating and fun; while the music may seem a little repetitive (not something you are likely to want on your iPod) it is still fairly good since it is designed for working out rather than listening pleasure. The workout goes along at a good pace, moving from one to another routine which has its advantages since you are busy concentrating on the moves and not the fatigue or pain that you are feeling.

The workout program is well organized so that you will know exactly what to do when; it tells you when to rest, when to exercise and even when it is time for a water break. While some people really do not like the stretching exercises they do admit that when you warm-up or cool down with them it does help to minimize any potential soreness and they are motivating enough to get you to want to do them. The video routine is strict but they are enjoyable enough that you want to continue using it.

Cons

Some people with specific injuries may not be able to do some of the routines and the videos are pretty fast paced so at times it can be difficult to keep up. Tony has a very outgoing personality and he does tend to talk quite a bit during the video which can be rather annoying. Since you do quite a bit of jumping if you live upstairs you may find your downstairs neighbors a little less than pleased when you exercise.

You will also have to purchase extra equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands and a push-up bar. Many also feel that the book that comes with the program could have been put together a little better.