{Faith & Fitness}: Summertime

Summertime is a welcomed season around here. Sure, I get tired of the heat! But I'm a huge fan of lounging around in the mornings, freedom to do as we please each week, longer days, and sometimes even later bedtimes for the kiddos. I joked with my husband that I would be an awesome stay at home mom if it were summer year round! I am terrible at getting up early and getting everyone out the door on time. I'm also not a fan of the school drop off and pick up. I feel like I waste so much time during the day running carpool. So as soon as summer hits, it's like we all feel refreshed. We have a routine but there's generally no stress. That's my kinda schedule!

And since there's not much stress of any sort (I can not tell you how much better our nights are now that we aren't dealing with homework and making lunches, Lord have mercy, the lunches), it's a whole lot easier to say yes to the kids when they ask to go on bike rides or to play basketball and even jump on the trampoline. So take advantage of the time and get out and be active together...all the while making some great summer memories.... and not to mention burning some extra calories!

And if you are one of the lucky ones that has a pool or access to a pool, use it to your advantage and do your workouts in it.  It's easy on the joints and a great cardio workout. Plus you'll stay cool doing it and if it's outside, you'll get a great tan, too! ;)

Try out all of these or a variety of these exercises and make yourself a pool routine:

1. Swimming laps! Swimming truly is a great alternative to running. If you have a pool where you can do laps, then maybe change up your workout a couple days a week and get in the pool instead of on the treadmill. Since everyone's swimming ability is different, some might tire after only a few laps. I would start by swimming 4 laps in a row and then resting. Repeat until you have done 16-20 laps total. Adjust numbers accordingly.

2. Treading water in the deep end. Start with normal treading water by using your arms and legs and then add in this variation. Make small circles with cupped hands and lift right leg to hip level, keep left leg down. Hold for 5-10 seconds and then switch legs. Keep alternating every 5-10 seconds for a total of 30 seconds to a minute. Do 3 sets.

3. In the shallow end do squat jumps (pull knees to chest when you jump). (Start with squats if you need). Continue squat jumps for 30 seconds and then rest for 30. Do a total of 3 sets. (You can adjust times and set numbers as needed)

4. Jumping/alternating lunges. Again stay in the shallow end and lunge with your right leg, jump up, and bring your left leg in front and lunge. Continue for 30 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds. Do a total of 3 sets.

5. In the shallow end, run in the pool (not running in place, actually run). Run for 3 minutes, then rest a minute. Do 3 sets. You can do all kinds of things besides running (skipping, karaoke, jumping, etc).

6. Using the side of the pool, stretch your hamstrings. This is one of my all time favorites to do in the pool. Put your hands on the side of the pool and hold on. Put your feet against the side of the pool (in the water) and then straighten out your legs as far as you can. Hold for 30 seconds. And repeat as many times as needed.

So as you are feeling physically refreshed with a change of pace, a new routine, and maybe even a new workout, don't forget to refresh and renew your mind.

Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2

I recently started reading Jesus Calling each day and this definitely has been refreshing. Praying we all remember to renew our minds in Christ daily.

To see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness series}, go here.

About the Author: Jessica Vick Lewis is a Worthy of the Prize volleyball coach. She was the assistant volleyball coach at Martin High School for 5 years and the assistant volleyball coach at Seguin High School  for 1 year, before she began "staying home" with her boys full-time. Check out her Advocare site for all of your health and wellness needs and follow her family blog to see what her and her boys are up to! Jessica is married to S, a Construction Manager, and they have 3 little boys...c, e and n.