Get into a summer regimen - Times Of India - Sat, 03 May 2008 Bs the summer heat putting you off your exercises? Ian Faria has some ideas to help you keep the fitness plan going. It is easy to work-out in winter, while the weather is conducive to working up some body heat. Summer seems to have just the opposite effect. Summer is also the time when people take holidays to resorts by the beach, or at least to those that have a pool. You may want to get into bikini-fit shape. How then can you keep the motivation high, and continue to exercise? Here are some simple ways to get into a summer regimen? Work-out during the early or later parts of the day, when the temperature is cooler. Traveling to the gym or your aerobic fitness center, in the scorching heat isn't wise. Choose fitness training centers that have air conditioning, or at least are kept cool. This keeps the sweat low and the heart-rate in check. Sip cold water, an electrolyte or fruit juice. This will help lower your body temperature, so you can continue to exercise for longer periods. If you cannot maintain the number of workouts that you normally do, try to intersperse activity that could burn calories for you, such as gardening, washing your car, or mowing your lawn. Again, choose a time when it is not too hot outdoors. Choose activities that can be pursued in the shade, as these will promote a feeling of well being, rather than exhaustion. Eat light meals - preferably fresh fruit and vegetables, rather than heavy protein, or fat-laden meals. Visualize that you are keeping your plan and working at your goals, while you continue to work-out and manifest the perfect 10 figure. Ian Faria. (The author is a corporate trainer, motivational speaker, counselor and consultant who specializes in Organizational and Personal Enhancement). faria@a-pep.com