Here’s how to keep your exercise routine going through the summer

Don’t let the oppressive summer heat bog you down. Fitness trainer Kiran Krishnakumar tells HT a few fun and simple exercises to beat the challenges of heat.

With oppressive heat beating down on us, outdoor exercise routine could be a tough task. Mercifully, there are a few workouts which are simple and fun to do. Fitness trainer Kiran Krishnakumar takes us through exercises that can either be done at a fitness centre or while just taking a stroll around the nearby community park.

Summer exercises should be simple and fun to do, says fitness trainer Kiran Krishnakumar.(Shutterstock)

Side plank

This exercise tones several abdominal muscles. Lay down on the left side, keeping your knees straight. Use your left arm and elbow to support your upper body. Now, raise your hips, so that there is a straight line between your shoulders and ankles. Hold this position for 30 seconds while breathing normally and then ease out to the resting position. Turn and repeat the same from the right side of your body.

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Second position plies

Stand with your feet spread wider than shoulder-width, slightly turn out your toes and bend your knees to lower your body so that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Now, raise your arms overhead, while resting down and back the shoulders. Hold that position and breathe normally before pushing yourself back to the first position.

Single-leg deadlift

A most widely-prescribed exercise, it takes care of the entire core, especially training the gluteus muscles. Bend your hips to tilt forward, simultaneously lowering your body at a comfortable rate and speed. Bend your knee so that your lower leg is rests in the air, parallel to the ground. Lower your upper body as much as you can and hold that position. Remember to breathe normally while in the hold position. While coming up, focus on the gluteus muscles to push your hips instead of putting the strain on your back. It is important to always keep your chest up and core engaged while performing this exercise.

Read: Tips to beat the heat and carry on with your exercise regimen

Meditation

Remember to include meditation or any regular breathing exercises to cool your body down before concluding the work out. In fact, merely lying down, emptying your mind and deep breathing works wonderfully.