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Sheila Shares

Springtime Routine for a Summer Body

Founder of The Oaks at Ojai

Ohmygoodness! Did you see the swimsuits and sundresses and tiny tank tops filling the department store and the clothing catalogues? They are so cute. I’ve actually thought of buying some of the styles in threes because I can’t make up my mind as to which I like best.

Yes, summer will be here before we can say, “Watermelon” and “Pass the lemonade.” What’s a body to do? Get ready with this springtime routine for a summer body.

The problem with exercising right now is that the weather is totally unpredictable. One day it’s glorious and the next we have to pull out the rain jackets and overcoats. Okay, I may be pushing springtime a bit, but remember that staying strong, flexible and healthy is a year round “job.”

Use these and share them, too. And best yet, surf the Internet to plan a cruise, spa vacation or tropical holiday. If you plan early, you’ll have the fun to increase your motivation and excitement. More so, you’ll have the time to create a fit, strong body for a great vacation or holiday trip.

*Walk in the rain. Now I’m not suggesting that you trek out in typhoons or thunderstorms or tornados or other dangerous weather conditions. However, if it is only a light rain and you’re well, then it’s okay to walk in the rain. As with all exercise, if you have health concerns, your physician is the only person to counsel you on whether a program is right.

Dress for the weather and wear light-colored clothing so you can be seen. Sporting goods stores have great rain gear, much of it that “breathes” so you’ll feel comfortable when you body begins to warm up. Be sure to change when you return from a rainy day walk and allow your shoes to dry out too.

Yes, you may get strange looks from neighbors, but most of them will be wishing they had the determination to walk in the rain.

Walk or work out where you’re safe and comfortable. Wear reflective materials and carry a whistle or noisemaker.

*Get a DVD or video and work out. There are wonderful workouts on many multi-media platforms now! Check your local video store or your favorite online shopping or podcast! Make sure that the routine is slanted to your fitness level, or slightly above, and that the instructions promote safe, injury-free movements. Dance, strength training and aerobic dance are perfect to perform in your living room during that cold and cloudy weather. They’re fun to do with the kids too. And you’ll help kids learn that movement and exercise are valuable and essential parts of adult life.

*Just jump. Jumping rope is a full-body workout that gives a serious challenge even for the most fit. Beginners need to start slowly, just as with all fitness programs and work on increasing time and intensity. Don’t just use a measure of rope and start working out, but get one especially designed for fitness. Turn on some music and jump.

*Stretch. Take a class in yoga or stretching and then apply the postures or movements the next time you’re housebound because of a storm. There are good books and videos on stretching and yoga routines too. You can also find some good stretches detailed on various Internet sites.

*Lift weights. Don’t have weights? Sure you do. Select objects that weigh about the same, such as bags of pasta or cans of unopened soup or vegetables. Hold one in each hand and make up weight lifting movements if you are unfamiliar with weight lifting concepts.

7. Eat well and exercise. “Moderation in all things” has been my personal motto for a long time, but at the core is the need to eat as if the future depends on it and exercise to stay fit for life.

Here’s an easy one: Hold a one pound bag of pasta in each hand and place your elbows close to your body, keeping forearms parallel to the floor. With palms up bring your hands to your shoulders. Start with ten and them reverse palms (toward the floor) and do ten more.

*Just jog, in place and in your house. Or march, with tall steps and a straight back. It’s amazing how five minutes of marching in place to one of those Broadway show tunes can get the blood pumping through the body. Be sure to contract your stomach muscles as you march and you’ll be exercising your abdominal muscles as you exercise.

These rainy day fitness remedies can’t replace a long brisk walk, a great run or time at the fitness center, but they will help you maintain your fitness level, perhaps even build it. So the next time the weather announcer says, “More rain!” you’ll be prepared with great rainy day workout tips.

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Sheila Cluff, fitness expert, television celebrity and owner of The Oaks at Ojai, is the author of Take 5: How You Can Benefit from Just Five Minutes of Daily Exercise and The Ultimate Recipe for Fitness by Sheila and Eleanor Brown. Visit Sheila's Spa on the Internet and see all that's happening at the resort: The Oaks at Ojai www.oaksspa.com.