We’re officially in the “Dog Days of Summer.” These hot and humid days are no joke, but they aren’t an excuse to avoid exercise. You may not be out running under the afternoon sun, but you can get moving early in the morning before the weather hits its peak. On the days you aren’t at the gym with us, be sure to take advantage of the cooler morning temps and get some steps in so that you can keep on track with your goals.
Exercise of the Month: Back Stretches
Back pain is unfortunately common. If you’ve been suffering, try these chair-based stretches to relieve your aches and keep pain away while working toward your goals:
Seated Gentle Back Bend
Sit down in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and put your hands on your lower back. Face your fingers down and your thumbs toward your front. Press your hands gently into your back as you breathe in, and as you exhale, arch your spine while leading with your head (look back slightly and up toward the ceiling). Hold this position while you count to five, relax, and repeat 3-5 times.
Gentle Twist
Sit in your chair once again with your feet flat on the floor. Breathe in, sit up straight, and raise both of your arms into the air. Breathe out and twist your spine to the right, setting your right hand on the outside of your thigh. Breathe in once again, and twist deeper as you exhale. Take 3-5 of these breaths before repeating the stretch on your left side.
For additional back stretches, click here.
A Refreshing and Healthy Summer Salad
Try this Grilled Peach Salad for a fun and refreshing summer meal:
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe, firm peaches
- 5 oz baby arugula
- Half a cup of blueberries
- One fourth a cup of goat cheese, crumbled
- One fourth a cup of pecans
- 1 tsp butter
- One fourth a teaspoon of salt
- One half a teaspoon of curry powder
- 1 TBSP honey (for the pecans)
- 2 TBSP honey (for the vinaigrette)
- 2 TBSP plain greek yogurt
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
Directions
Step 1: Place the following ingredients in a jar and shake to make vinaigrette:
- Honey
- Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Both vinegars
- A pinch of salt
Step 2: Place pecans, salt, curry powder, and honey into a frying pan and set over medium heat until the mixture boils. Boil for about 2 minutes or until the liquid dries. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to its “high” setting, cut your peaches in half and remove their pits. Cut each half into three sections. Then, toss the peach slices in the olive oil. Grill the oil-tossed peaches for two to three minutes on each side.
Step 4: Place all salad ingredients in a bowl and toss. Enjoy while the peaches are still warm for the best taste!
You can view the full recipe for this Grilled Peach Salad here.
Natural Remedies with doTERRA
If you’ve been wanting to reduce the number of harmful chemicals in your home, we’re here to help. Schedule a one-on-one demo with us to learn all about the uses of essential oils and the benefits that come along.
See the diffuser blends for lime below for an idea of how versatile just one simple essential oil can be.
If you need to stock up on doTERRA essentials, shop in person at BeFit SRQ or follow this link to place an online order.
A Summer Glow Without the Harmful UV Rays
Most of us want that beautiful summer skin, but we don’t want the harmful sun damage that comes along with it. Luckily, Beautycounter’s Glow Shimmer Oil can give you the same look without the harmful UV rays.
Beautycounter’s Glow Shimmer Oil is made with all-natural ingredients including jojoba, sesame, and grape seed oils. It soaks in immediately after application and provides you with a stunning bronze tint with a bit of shimmer.
You can get your bottle on Beautycounter’s site by clicking here.
LightForce Laser Therapy
Therapy Lasers are combining medical research, engineering, and Laser Therapy to rethink pain and inflammation treatment. No matter what type of pain you’re experiencing, Laser Therapy can help.
The video below shows many problem areas that can be treated with this method, as well as proof of how painless this type of treatment truly is.
Book your private consultation at BeFit SRQ today to discuss your Laser Therapy needs.
Outside Fun to Look Forward to
Even if it’s hot and humid, the “Dog Days of Summer” are worth enjoying. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine with these fun outdoor events:
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
The Farmers’ Market in downtown Sarasota is officially opening today, August 1st! Social-distancing and mask requirements will keep you safe while you gather fresh fruits and veggies for your healthy, home-cooked meals.
The Farmers Market will now be returning to its regular hours, which are every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm throughout the year.
You can see more information on the reopening of the Farmers Market by clicking here.
Nathan Benderson Park Rec Days
Stay cool outside while enjoying water activities at Nathan Benderson Park’s Rec Days. Canoes, Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddle Boards, and fishing equipment will all be available for a fun day on the water.
This event will take place on two separate days, August 8th and 27th, from 10 am until 2 pm.
You can learn more about this event and register for tickets here.
We hope these tips and tricks give you the motivation you need to keep moving even during the hottest time of the year. You’ll be proud of yourself for sticking to your goals during the “Dog Days” when that crisp fall air returns, and you don’t have any “catching up” to do.