Summer fitness routine

Since most of these activities also include hauling bags of dirt, bagging up the grass clippings, and hauling the bags to the alley for pick-up, you know a day in the garden can be good for the mind and body.

(Follow these simple exercises to reduce your risk of back injury while gardening.)

5. Less can be more
In the summer we often get sidetracked from our regular fitness program because of holidays and other social commitments. Did you know that you can maintain your fitness level by decreasing the amount of exercise you do, as long as you increase the intensity of your exercise? This means that you can choose to walk or run for a shorter duration as long as you up the pace by running faster or walking uphill. You can do your weight program one or two times per week instead of three or four as long as you work to fatigue on every set.

Give yourself a break by backing off on volume, and focusing on shorter, more intense workouts that allow you to fill your schedule with barbecues, weddings, and weekends at the cottage.

Look ahead to your fall workouts with enthusiasm, knowing that you've chosen to get active or keep at it in a season where most will lounge in the sun instead of finding fitness. This summer, stay active, get more fit, and enjoy the summer with energy to spare, by fitting in fitness with these creative tips.