With summer officially here, it’s time to rethink your workout routines and make sure they stand up to the summer heat. Depending on where you live, if you like to work out outside you might have to shake up your schedule and exercise at different times. If you live in a hot climate, consider a dip in the pool or bring your fitness routine indoors. No matter your workout preference, drink lots of water and don’t push yourself in the heat—there are plenty of activities to choose from that are cool, safe and summer-proof.

Rethink the Morning

Starting your day early sets the pace for the day ahead of you, but early morning workouts can be difficult if your first reaction to your alarm is hitting the snooze button. Good sleep helps control the hormonal balance that controls appetite, and we all know that good sleep can lead to weight loss. So tuck yourself into bed a little earlier, rise with the sun and start your day with a low impact workout before the temps heat up. Brisk walking is a great exercise for low impact fitness junkies. Start your morning with a brisk dog walk around your neighborhood or local park. This small lifestyle change may be difficult to get used to at first, but give it a few weeks and with consistency you might just be an earlier riser.

Hit the Pool

If you have a pool in your backyard, summer is the perfect time to hop-in and practice aqua activities. Aquatic activities are a fun and safe exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. Not to mention, the activity is great for joints. Use workout accessories like delta bells for arm exercises, aqua runners for additional resistance in leg workouts, and an aqua jogger belt for increased flotation and stability in the water. Fluid pool workouts that target your abdominal, arms and legs are a great alternative to traditional fitness activities like lifting weights or running on a treadmill that can create stress on your body. If you don't have a pool in your back yard check out your gym or local community center, most facilities have a pool.

Stay Indoors

Escape the summer heat and stay indoors for your workout. Get a gym membership, sign up for group fitness classes at a local fitness studio or community center, and be sure to stock up on at-home workout DVDs and routines. No matter what type of budget you have, there are plenty of opportunities to stay cool and active. Health mags, fitness blogs and even Pinterest are all great resources for free workouts that you can do in the comfort of your own living room. Mix it up by signing up for a few classes a week like Zumba or Pilates at your local gym with some friends, or consider hiring a personal trainer for a few sessions to show you the most effective ways to get the most out of your fitness routine at the gym and at home during the summer months.

What is your favorite summer workout?