Beat the Mid-Summer Blahs!

   It's a funny pyschological thing. Beginning in about March, everyone wants to start getting in shape for summer. You examine your mid-section, arms, legs and other exposed parts, and think: "I've got to get in shape!"
   You start hitting the gym regularly. You walk, run, hike, or bike to shed the pounds. You add the weights for muscle tone, and start watching the diet. By June, your body starts looking the way you want it - finally!
    Then the humidity kicks in. You have a vacation that may have sent you off course, fitness-wise. Ice cream, fudge, or beer become more a part of your life. Your work schedule is altered, which changes your routine, so essential to fitness consistency. The dog doesn't even want to go for a walk. You've hit the mid-summer fitness blahs!
    It's hard to prevent, I know. You feel everyone else is relaxing and enjoying summer, why should I work? or work-out?
    For 98% of us, we work becase must, although I feel blessed myself in that I do something I truly love. As far as working out, the most dedicated fitness enthusiast can experience doldrums at times. The key is not letting this feeling prevail!
    Think of what you like to do, fitness-wise. If it's something like biking, take advantage of the longer days and early sunrises, and go for a long, leisurely ride, maybe on a route you haven't explored before. For runners, summer is a great time to build up a base for a fall half-marathon or marathon. You also have easier access to high school tracks to do your speedwork (without getting embarressed by the youngsters!).
   If it's quieter than usual at your gym, try some exercises that you may not do during peak times. Think of balance exercises off the Bosu or stability Balls, or an outdoors workout with resistance bands or medicine balls. If you work out by yourself, get a friend with you for that little extra push and motivation.
   Swimming is a good diversion for me. I try to find a lap lane, and bang out a mile. While I haven't swam competitively since catching the triathlon bug about 30 years ago, I'm pleasantly surprised how comfortable I still feel doing my mile workout. The toughest part is the first 10 laps when the shoulders are tight. Survive through that, and the rest of the way should be smooth, if you have a cardio base from another activity. If you want to add some good anaerobic work, throw in some 50 (two lap) or 100-meter meter sprints. Rest the time that the interval took you, and start again. The lungs will get a good burn, the arms will be pumped, and you're body won't be a best up as after a hard run.
   I swim in an unheated pool, so I like to read a magazine and bake pretty well before jumping in. You're cool (almost cold) and refreshed when you're done! That's how I beat my mid-summer fitness blahs. Find
your way!