Exercises to Keep Your Family Cool

LET'S COOL OFF IN JULY!

The hot weather is here! Let's cool off with some fun outdoor activities that are sure to make a SPLASH in your summer workout!

1. Fill a dozen balloons with water. Grab a partner and stand a a few inches apart from them.Toss the water balloon back and forth to one another. Take one step away from your partner and repeat the toss. After each catch, step farther away from your partner.  Try to get as far away as you can from one another and throw long tosses. The farther the throw, the bigger the splash! 
2. Practice your throwing skills with this activity!  Fill a dozen balloons with water. Create a target with washable sidewalk chalk on the side of your garage, home, or fence. Take five steps away from target. Throw the water balloon at the bull's-eye. If you hit it, you get five points. If you miss, you get zero points. If you hit the target, take another five steps back away from the target. Continue this until someone reaches 25 points. The winner gets to soak the others with water balloons!

It is important to do some form of physical activity every singe day for 30 minutes. It can be indoor or outdoor. Be sure if you are outdoors in summer heat that you are well hydrated and keeping your body cool with water. If you're thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.  Avoid this by taking breaks and cooling off indoors and drinking plenty of ice cold water (64 oz) throughout the day.

Cool your thirst with these two fruity and healthy refreshers after your balloon tosses!

1. Makeover everyday ice cubes by freezing in raspberries and pineapples! 
2. Try combining 6 cups of seedless watermelon cubes and 3/4 cup water in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into a pitcher and garnish with lime slices and mint! 

Have fun this summer, but, most importantly, keep your body well hydrated!

Alison Cardoza, B.S Exercise Science, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer at Baptist Milestone Wellness Center