Let’s face it, when it starts to get hot outside; it’s hard to get motivated.

All you want to do is stay inside with the air on watching TV all day.

However, the only exercise you are getting is when you get up to walk to the kitchen or bathroom or when you press the buttons on the remote control.

Fortunately, there is hope and I’ve thought of some ways to where you can stay active in the summer.

One good way to stay active is to go to the pool. You can burn a lot of calories swimming, and you stay cool. You can also modify your workout to do in the pool. All you have to do is run in place for however long you are supposed to run.

You can also play games like wiffle ball or marco polo to make it fun.

Another activity you can do is go canoeing. There are state parks all around.

All you have to do is find one closest to you, and then you can rent a canoe or kayak for the day.

This way you get an arm workout, but you can also stay cool by having the water right there so you can cool off anytime you want.

Afterwards if you still have energy, you can take a nice hike on one of the trails.

Another good way to get some exercise is to go out on the lake.

If you know someone who has a boat then go out for a day and try water skiing or tubing.

Water skiing is a great work out for your upper and lower body.

If it’s a rainy day, like it has been the past couple of days, then you can drive to your local gym or high school and work out in the nice air conditioning.

You can also rearrange furniture in your house. It might sound weird, but it’s a work out moving your bed, dresser, and desk by yourself.

If you just like to be outside then you can still jog, walk, or a ride a bike.

Just go either early in the morning or at night when the sun is down so you that way you can go awhile without getting overheated.

These are normally the coolest parts of the day.

You can even walk to the nearest park, and play Frisbee with your dog, or even one of your friends.

I’ve learned over the years that if you work out with a partner, it makes everything easier and a lot more entertaining.

All in all there should be no excuse for not working out. You can easily find things to do that aren’t heat related, and fun to do.

Sometimes you don’t even realize your exercising.

Molly Clutter can be reached at 581-5944 or at mkclutter@eiu.edu.