Spice Up Your Workout

Summer is the perfect time to try new fitness endeavors. Whether you choose a new running route or plyometrics in the park, adding a new element to your regimen helps you stay motivated. Keep your workouts as spicy as a chipotle chicken breast with these hot-weather hints and tips:

1. Sign up for a fall race.

Many communities host charity runs during the fall. Use your summer months to train for an upcoming race or sporting event, and talk up friends and family at BBQs, weddings and get-togethers for support and charitable donations. For a list of races, marathons and run clubs around the country, visit runningintheusa.com.

2. Hit up the toy aisle.

Remember when summer meant water balloon fights, hula hoops and Double Dutch? Bring out your inner kid for an afternoon of active playground fun and burn loads of calories in the process.

3. Create your own boot camp.

Pinching pennies this summer? Instead of signing up for an outdoor workout program, create your own with friends! Each week, have one pal plan and lead your boot camp session in a local park, switching up the ""drill sergeant"" with each workout. Consult back issues of Oxygen for exercise and program ideas.

4. Gym recruit.

Gyms will be trying to woo you to the weight room since they tend to lose patrons to the great outdoors during the summer months. Take advantage of promotional or free trial classes at your local gym or recreation center. Also, capitalize on any special rates for memberships. When chillier weather rolls around this fall, you will already be familiar with the equipment and classes your location has to offer.