5 great activities to get your body beach ready

It's that time of year again: The sun is shining, the gloves and scarves are tucked away for another season and you're looking to break out the bathing suit.

But what if winter has left you feeling less than beach ready?

With only an hour of moderate exercise every day you will not only look and feel better, but can also lower your risk of obesity, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. And what better way to get back in the game than with some outdoor activities that will help you tone and tighten your body, while enjoying the added bonus of fresh air and Vitamin D?

The trick to sticking with a new fitness schedule is to find activities you enjoy — not all of us are born runners, but cycling and rollerblading might turn out to be a perfect fit. Don't be afraid to try new things until you find what works best for you. Try to vary your workout so you include all major muscle groups.

Before you start on your outdoor adventures, remember to always use sun protection, wear proper protective gear and drink plenty of fluids. Dress in lightweight, loose fitting clothes to allow for sweat evaporation and choose light colours to avoid heat absorption. Also, try and stay out of the midday sun by exercising in the morning or evening, and if you are concerned about heat, humidity or smog, have a back-up activity in mind, whether it's going to the gym for the day, working out at home to a DVD, or walking laps at a local mall. 

Here are five great activities to get you in shape for the summer:

Running
Running is one of the simplest ways to fit exercise into your day — all you need are a pair of shoes and some motivation. It is a great way to strengthen your legs, toning calves, thighs and buttocks, and also improves cardiovascular health. The key to running is to start slow. Set realistic goals for yourself, and build up to longer distances. If you don't feel like you can go it alone, there are lots of places that offer beginner's running classes to keep you on track. Check out your local gym for a schedule of available running clinics, or visit The Running Room (www.runningroom.com) for a list of classes in your area.

Calories burned per hour running at 5 mph: 500

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