Beat the Heat and Stay Fit!

By: Physicians Preference RX

Both of my favorite types of exercise, running and cycling, require being out in the extremely hot Houston heat! I’d like to share a few ways I get in work-outs in the comfort of my air-conditioned living room so you too can beat the heat!

• Stability ball exercises: You can do anything from sit-ups, push-ups or aerobics with an exercise ball. I like to do a circuit of 30 crunches, 30 push-ups and 30 wall squats all using the stability ball first thing in the morning to get my blood flowing!
• Lunges: Start with your feet shoulder width apart, taking a big step out and making sure your hips are in line and you are facing forward. Bend both knees to a 90 degree angle until your knees are just off the ground. Push-up through your front heel, switch legs and repeat! I like to do three sets of 10-15 reps, and add weight for a more intense work-out.
• Push-Ups: Push-ups are an excellent work-out that work your core and upper-body and can literally be done anywhere. If you can’t do a push-up yet, no fear! Start by doing a wall push-up, then move to kneeling push-ups and before you know it you will be doing push-ups in no time!
• Jumping rope: In the mornings I also like to move my furniture back, stand a safe distance from the television and jump-rope for about 20 minutes. This is a great cardiovascular activity that requires very little equipment, and if space permits can be done indoors.

Share with us what type of indoor exercises keep you out of the heat and in shape!