Staying Fit in the Summer Sun

Fitness Tips

(05-15-2007 - Akron, OH) The sun is finally shining in Northeast Ohio, and that means that you want to exercise outdoors! The Shaw JCC offers many outdoor fitness activities for adults and families, including the outdoor pool opening May 28 (see page 1). And don’t forget—our renovated cardio and weight room offers a cool respite from outdoor heat as well as the right way to build fitness and endurance all year long!

Summer at the Shaw JCC means swimming, tennis, basketball, and baseball and softball outdoors. Nearby, our region’s many trails and parks offer wonderful opportunities for walking and hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Some of your favorite summer pastimes are also great exercise—did you know that gardening is an effective form of resistance training and can burn up to 300 calories per hour? And Northeast Ohio’s favorite pastime, golf, also generates strength/power fitness, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Just remember to leave the cart at the clubhouse!

No matter what your summer fitness activity, remember these important health tips:

Stay hydrated. Drink one to two cups of fluid at least one hour before exercise, and 8 oz 20 to 30 minutes directly prior to exercise. Drink 4 to 8 oz of fluid for every 10 to 15 minutes during exercise. Finally, drink 8 oz of fluid 30 minutes after exercise.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat that shades your neck and face.

Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside--water-proof sunscreen is usually more effective if you sweat or plan to get wet.

During very warm weather, exercise outdoors in the morning or evening after sunset.

For more info, contact:

Kerry Thomas
Health, Wellness and Nutrition Director
Phone: 330-835-0058
E-mail: kerry_thomas@jewishakron.org

The Shaw JCC of Akron, founded in 1920, creates community based on Jewish values in by providing quality programs and services in a safe and secure environment for people of all ages. The Shaw JCC is open to all members of our community without regard to race, gender, religious preference, marital, or economic status. Our 60-acre community campus, located at 750 White Pond Drive, is home to the Shaw JCC as well as the Jewish Community Board of Akron, Jewish Family Service, and the Jerome Lippman Jewish Community Day School.