You and I both know that summer is a time  in which you will be sharing your body with the world. Whether at the beach or the pool, ’tis the season for seeing skin. If you are like me, however, you might be a little uncomfortable with others seeing you in your bathing suit. Here are five tips for not only staying healthy and fit during the summer, but having fun and feeling good with the person you are.

1. Move your workout outside!

I am a self-proclaimed gym rat, but during the summertime, I tend to move my work out, well . . . out. Try running to your local park or elementary school playground and make a workout out of all the parts on it. Surprisingly, most elementary school jungle gyms have pullup bars, and that’s not including the monkey bars.

The benefits of moving your workouts to nature are awesome. The added sunlight, while helping you tan, will provide a boost of Vitamin D which has been shown to make you happy. Fresh air will aid in building lung capacity while clearing your mind. Lastly, switching from using a machine in a gym to using your natural body weight will help to burn fat and build good muscle tone.

2. Mix it up, try a sport!

During the summer in Utah, many cities and counties have recreational leagues that you can participate in with your friends. Some require a nominal fee, usually no more than $20 per person, but they allow you to exercise while socializing. Exercising alone is boring, but exercising with others is fun.

The summertime for us at Weber State University is actually quite awesome because we have a great friend in the Outdoor Recreation Program. On a weekly basis they have activities ranging from river trips to mountain bike excursions. Some of the activities offered are free!

3. Stay hydrated!

Summertime in Utah is hot, so no matter the activity remember that water is your best friend. Dehydration can and will kill you, so bring water where ever you go. Many nutritionists recommend drinking your body weight in ounces, and to make up electrolyte loss with simple sports drinks.

Also, take advantage of fruit. Many of the fruits that you enjoy during the summer time are packed full of water, so use this as an excuse to eat as much fresh fruit as possible.

4. Eat a healthy diet!

For students, this is a time where many of us kick back and relax a bit before fall semester starts, but in all of your relaxing, do not be too lax on your diet. Pizza Hut and Taco Bell for the majority of your meals is no bueno.

Now is the perfect time to set up a smart eating schedule that will help you eat balanced meals daily. Plus it’s fruit and veggie season, so take a chance to eat the rainbow in both categories.

Now would also be a good time to invest in a good multivitamin. When we run and play and sweat, we lose many of the nutrients necessary for our bodies to function right. A good slow-release multivitamin will help to make up the nutrition that has been lost while helping to get the nutrients that we may normally miss out on.

5. Sleep is your best friend!

In preparation for fall, try to get a full night’s sleep every night. That is at least eight hours of sleep, and believe me it will help. When you are a full-time student with a part-time job, sleep will be the first thing to go out the door. Getting into a good sleeping pattern now will help you to better budget your time during the semester.

Another thing to consider is that when you don’t get enough sleep, your body can’t properly heal from your summer adventures. Take the time, plan it out and get the rest. Your mind and body will thank you for it.