Three Keys to a Successful and Active Summer

Okay, I know that this post might be a little bit obvious. But with the weather getting warmer, it is always important to remember the three keys to staying healthy this summer. If you follow this blog, you probably lead a pretty active lifestyle. Add the stress of daily life into all of the workouts you do, and it can be easy to forget take care of yourself. If you don't, you can run the risk of serious injury which could be a major setback to your summer fun.

Don't Forget to Stretch!
I am guilty of this one almost every day. No matter what you're doing, whether it's going for a quick jog or playing a game of pickup basketball, you should always stretch before and after. Everyone is always in a huge hurry these days, and it can seem really efficient to cut corners like this. However, in the long run, your body faces the risk of serious injuries such as muscle strains or even ligament tears. What is the best way to get a good stretch in during the day? Yoga. It may seem really girly, but you would be surprised how many professional athletes use this as a way to keep their bodies nice and limber. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

Get Enough Sleep!
People with hectic schedules may also find it hard to get enough sleep at night. Doctors say that this is very detrimental to the body. A person who has an active lifestyle should be getting between 7 and 9 uninterrupted hours of sleep. Why uninterrupted? Because your body goes through different cycles while you are asleep. Each of them is important to restoring your body's energy in a different way. If you wake up in the middle of sleeping, the cycle begins all over again. If you have trouble sleeping there are a few ways that you can help yourself to fall asleep. The best way is to get into a routine where  you go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. That way your body knows when it should be sleeping.

Drink Plenty of Water!
This is probably the most important key to success. We can stay alive for a pretty long time without food, but we would never survive more than a week without water. The biggest function of water, is to help remove waste from our bodies. Water helps to cleanse our systems and keep us feeling fresh and ready to go. Without enough water, you can become dehydrated and lose a lot of your energy. You also run a much greater risk for heat stroke. The average adult should consume about eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day. I learned a really helpful tip to keep track of how much water I drink throughout the day from one of my friends. Mark two water bottles with how much water you should have drank by a certain time of day. Here is an example:

No matter what you do this summer, remember to stay healthy and safe! Use these three keys to help you out, and don't forget to visit our website leaguehound.com for some fun leagues to join in your area!