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• Summer Fitness Tips from Equinox Fitness Clubs

Summer Fitness Tips From Equinox Fitness Clubs

by: Clint Smith, regional personal training manager

1. Mix yourself a workout cocktail.

Combining your weight and cardiovascular workouts can give you more time to enjoy the weather. Try moving between an upper body exercise and a lower body exercise with little or no rest time in between. Known as a ?super set,? this method works the cardiovascular system and burns more calories than a single exercise with rest periods between sets. For variety, include 5-minute cardio intervals before, during and after your weight training workout. Jump from a bike or treadmill directly into your resistance exercises. After 2-3 exercises, return to the cardio machine with a minimal rest period. Repeat until you've completed 6-9 resistance exercises.

2. Don't be a one trick pony.

For many, walking or running outdoors is the summer workout of choice. A jog along the lake is a great way to enjoy the weather and burn a few calories, but does little to maintain muscle tone or overall strength. Cross-training is essential. Upper body weight training can maintain or improve a healthy running posture and increase endurance. Strengthening the lower body through resistance and agility exercise increases joint stability and helps prevent injuries.

3. Re-think your abdominal workout.

Nothing so unforgiving to tubby tummies than summer clothing. To start, engage your abdominals (suck it in!) while performing every exercise you do. It encourages good posture and develops a stronger, flatter belly through isometric contraction. Use a variety of exercises, not just one favorite to affect all the muscles that comprise the abdominals. Incorporating trunk rotation with cable chest presses or rows is a great way to work the internal and external obliques.

4. Put your workouts to work.

The best part of working out all winter is that when warm weather arrives, you are prepared to enjoy activities outside of the health club more fully. The long sessions of cardio can be put to good use on an all day bike ride. All your balance and agility work allows you to complete any activity on a sandy beach with more confidence and grace; whether playing volleyball or carrying a tray of margaritas. Health and fitness is as much about working out as it is about enjoying its benefits. So take your beautiful biceps and very capable quadriceps outdoors ? and enjoy every minute of it.

For more tips on how to optimize your workout program ? or to start one ? contact the Equinox Fitness Club nearest you and mention ?Salad Spinners? to receive a complimentary assessment and guided workout.