Four steps to fit and fun summer living

Summer means longer days, warmer temperatures, and more time spent outdoors. The pleasant weather brings more opportunities to improve your lifestyle and start a new commitment to wellness. With a few tips, you can be on your way to fit and fun summer living.



1. Eat fresh. Summer is prime time for fresh produce, and incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily menus is a delicious way to a fit lifestyle. With a high-performance blender like the Vitamix 5200, you can easily make hundreds of whole-food recipes that taste great. Whether it's a whole-fruit smoothie, frozen sorbet, fat-free salad dressing, or veggie dip, this powerhouse machine can whip up endless nourishing options. Vitamix offers nutritious recipes that are perfect for any summer occasion, so your taste buds will stay happy while you get in shape this summer. A nutrient-packed fruit smoothie takes only seconds to prepare in the Vitamix 5200 and is sure to please even the pickiest palate.

2. Move it. Getting fit doesn't need to mean hours at the gym, especially during these warmer months. Simple activities like going for a bike ride or taking your dog for a walk are great ways to get moving while also enjoying the outdoors. Swimming is a great low-impact, full-body exercise that lets you work out while cooling off. Or try another sport that you wouldn't be able to participate in during winter, such as golf, outdoor basketball, or beach volleyball. Making an activity part of your routine is a great way to keep at it, so set aside a window of time for exercise each day. Take advantage of the warm weather and get moving outdoors for a fit and fun-filled summer.

3. Relax. Summer is the perfect opportunity to unwind and treat yourself to some "me" time. Focus on doing things you enjoy, such as finishing that book you've been reading for months, learning to play tennis or how to surf, or simply basking in the sunshine. Whatever you choose, make time each week to let go and de-stress. Summer is a popular season for vacations to the beach and other outdoor destinations, but you can also find tranquility in your own backyard. Meditation and yoga are calming activities that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, too.

4. Sleep. You can improve your lifestyle even when you're not awake. Good sleep habits are essential to physical and mental well-being, and inadequate rest can curtail your efforts to eat right and exercise. Muscles need time to repair and regenerate after working hard, making proper rest a vital component of any fitness routine. Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature, adding fans or blankets as needed, and remove or turn off bright lights and electronic screens. Get into a nightly routine, and try not to eat or exercise for at least an hour prior to going to sleep. When you're well-rested and rejuvenated, the other aspects of your improved lifestyle will be even more enjoyable and effective.

With a few lifestyle adjustments, you'll be on your way to happy, healthy summer living.

Courtesy of BPT