Being active is hard. The thought of starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, stressful, and tiring, amongst so many other things. As an individual with an auto immune disorder, staying consistent with a health and fitness regime can feel mentally and physically draining. Having the strength to start a workout and continue when your body constantly feels fatigued and weak is an obstacle like no other. But it is not impossible. As a matter of fact, the more I remain active, the stronger and more capable I feel of pushing my strength to its limits.

The thought of starting a fitness journey, especially in the heat of the summer months, may be daunting. Luckily, there are so many ways to be active while beating the heat – you just have to think creatively!

Here are some fun ideas that may assist you in remaining active this summer:

• If possible, wake up earlier and get your exercise done before the sun comes out. Although I’m not naturally a morning person, creating a routine that allows me to be productive and feel good in the early hours has really allowed me to feel more active and happier throughout the day. It also allows me to avoid the uncomfortable hours of hot summer days.  
• Use an indoor walk pad to get some extra steps in. Working a sedentary job, especially if you work from home, can make being active throughout the day difficult. One way to be active while being in the comfort of your home is to walk while you work! I’ve purchased a standing desk and walk pad and it has allowed me to remain active without much effort. Walking pads can also be implemented into your routine while you watch TV or plan your day.
• Make your fitness life fun! Grab a friend, partner, or family member to make the experience more enjoyable. This person can also serve as an accountability partner, to encourage and support you throughout your journey.
• Try new things! One goal of mine this year was to participate in some sort of marathon, and I did just that. This past month, I participated in Mud Girl Run, an obstacle course-like 5K with, you guessed it, lots of mud! This was a first-time experience for me, and I would highly recommend an endurance event of this sort if you are new to fitness. This specific event encouraged participants to walk, jog, or run at their own pace. The mud was also surprisingly cooling! Not to mention, this is a great and very fun way to bond with family and friends and meet new people. I did the run with my sister, and we had a blast.

All in all, fitness and activity levels vary from person to person. Don’t feel discouraged if you aren’t where you would like to be on this journey as it takes time, discipline, and more time. Have fun, be creative, and most importantly, be kind to yourself throughout it all. Please speak to a healthcare professional before attempting new physical activity.