Summer Time Exercise Swaps

The reality is that during the summer between kids being out of school, vacations, camping and such, it’s difficult to get to the gym as frequently. But no one likes to start over so here’s some Exercise Swaps you can do so it won’t feel like you’re starting from scratch come fall.

Swap Leg Press for Step Ups

You can find a bench, staircase or elevated surface pretty much anywhere. So when you can’t get to the gym to perform a couple sets of Leg Press, replace with a Single Leg Step Up. It will work the same muscles in a slightly different way.

 

 

Swap Hamstring Curls for Bridging

When you want to isolate the hamstrings but can’t access a curl machine, opt for a set of Bridging. It will work the hamstrings, glutes and your core and is an exercise you can do anywhere!

 

Swap Leg Extensions for Lunges

Opt for a set of alternating walking lunges to target the quadriceps as well as the rest of the lower body when you don’t have easy access to a Leg extension machine.

Swap Machine Chin ups for Pull Ups Anywhere

Head to your local park or school and find a set of monkey bars and voila, an instant pull up bar. You can even use bike racks, staircase railings…anything stable that you can hang off and pull your body weight will work.

Swap Bench Press for Push Ups

Good old fashioned pushups can be done anywhere requiring no equipment whatsoever. Your body is the best piece of machinery ever!

Swap Tricep Pressdowns With Tricep Dips

You can find a chair or bench anywhere. Have a seat, adjust your hips and body forward of the seat and start pressing up and down for an instant tricep fix.

Swap Squat Rack for Hiking

If you really want to put those legs to good use, head out for a challenging hike in the Gorge. It’s like non-stop squatting and lunging.

Swap Spinning For a Bike Ride

Get outside and do the real thing and challenge your balance to a higher level! Remember your helmet!

Swap Crunches For Paddleboarding or Kayaking

If you really want a great core workout, get off the floor and forget the crunches and instead, rent a paddleboard or kayak for an incredible core workout.

Getting out of the four walls of a gym for at least a couple of your weekly workouts can actually be a nice change of pace during the summer. Enjoy, have fun and stay healthy and fit!

Yours in health and fitness,
Sherri McMillan

Join us for the…..
32ND ANNUAL MIDSUMMER
TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
July 31st – Blue Lake – Fairview, OR
The event offers three distances to choose from (Olympic, Sprint and Novice) for the sport of Triathlon, Duathlon and AquaBike. The flat and fast course with little to no traffic warm water and a beautiful start/finish venue make the Mid-Summer event an ideal race to put on your calendar!