What a beautiful day in the Black Hills! Hope you are enjoying the weather and getting out for some fresh air and warm sun.

As the weather improves, the gyms often clear out for the summer as people are spending more time outside and less time in their gyms and classes. However, chances are that unless you are spending the day hiking Harney Peak with ankle weights, you are probably not burning the same amount of calories as you do in your workout classes.

Although the summer is a great time to be doing outdoor activities, you may find yourself frustrated at the end of August when you have experienced weight gain.

I encourage you to keep up with your current workouts at least 3 days a week, and 2 days a week with weight training. The muscles in the body have a use or lose mentality, if you take a 3 month break without lifting a weight you will lose the tone and strength that you spent the winter and spring building.

Working out needs to become a part of your daily routine. Use the outdoor time to stretch, clear the mind, and enjoy relax time with your family. Don’t think it is a substitute for 600 calorie burning fitness classes.

The last couple months have been so busy in the studio I haven’t had time for much else. Hope you are finding yourselves healthy and happy as we head closer to spring! If you didn’t get the memo about starting a fitness program in January as we were bombarded with all the commercials, television programs, and fad diets, then here it is:

It’s time to get healthy.

Given the down times, the economy, and our stress levels, it’s so important to be taking care of yourself physically. I am a firm believer in different strokes for different folks and I don’t encourage someone who can’t swim to jump in a pool, or someone who can’t dance, to hop on in a fast paced aerobic class, or a poor college kid to afford a personal trainer.

But, there is no cost for our sidewalks, gym memberships can be very reasonable if you are willing to make a long term commitment, and there are abundant resources on internet and television that offer a personal trainer at your service for a small financial sacrifice.

What is your excuse for not finding 30 minutes a day for physical activity?