With the heat, humidity, and lazy days of summer, sneaking in a workout or getting some exercise is not usually the first thing on my mind. I enlisted the help of my coworkers for some tips on staying motivated on keeping fit this summer, though I'd love to hear from readers as well since I could use all the tips I could get.Tips from the Staff at Shore PublishingChief photographer Jess Smith says, "Go swimming! Find the nearest freshwater pond and take your breast stroke out for a spin. You very well might see some cute crawly creatures like chipmunks and turtles."Branford/North Branford sales rep Shannon Cushing says, " Go for a walk right when you start to feel that cool evening breeze. It's a great way to get outside, move, and destress without the heat!"Creative director Julie Eckart Johnson says, "Teach your dog to run along side your bike—there are lots of great places on the shoreline for biking!"Interactive Editor Nicole Ball says, "Try a new activity to keep your interest in exercising up. Take a class or pick up an outdoor hobby that you might have always wanted to try but haven't."North Haven/East Haven sales rep Stephanie Alderman says, "Work out with a friend, significant other, or family member, that way you can motivate each other, plus it makes it more fun when you're with someone else!"Publisher Lisa Miksis says, "With the sun rising around 5:30 a.m., get out of bed a half hour early and get outside when the heat hasn't kicked into high gear yet! By the time many of us get home from work, working out in the 85-degree weather is the last thing we want to do and all motivation is lost. You also get to enjoy a little peace and quiet before the day begins."Senior staff writer Fay Abrahamsson says, "If you have a dog or two, take them for a walk every day or even twice a day—you get the exercise and they do, too. With large and furry dogs in the summer, try to go early in the morning when it is cooler and don't forget to drink plenty of water (people and dogs!).Editor Brian Boyd says, "Make a good exercise space. Whether it's clearing a haven in a basement full of boxes or timing your trip to the gym so you're surrounded by a motivational crowd (or lack thereof), make sure dreary surroundings won't make it easier to pass up a workout."Senior sports writer Chris Piccirillo says, "When you are nearing the end of your workout and start to wear down, use a mantra to maintain focus and keep you going. Towards the end of my 45-minute power walk, I usually think 'Legs, legs, legs; arms, arms, arms; go, go, go.' This way I make sure that I keep my legs going swiftly with my arms moving in tandem, and that of course, I continue to go hard until the finish. Unless of course, I think that I'm about to pass out, in which case I slow down."Correspondent Jason J. Marchi says, "Walk. It costs little more than a top-quality pair of walking shoes. To make your brisk walk exciting, pick a different course each week so you are entertained by the varied sights."Assistant editor Jen Matteis says, "Take your ferret for a walk! Ten minutes later, when he hasn't gone more than three feet from the door, put him inside and go for a hike."Sales rep Hope Allain says, "Early morning yoga by the water starts your day off on a positive, peaceful note."Living editor Meredith Crawford says, "Try breaking up your run into a series of 2 1/2-minute segments. If you're just starting out, walk for 2 1/2 minutes, then jog. If you're already into running, increase your pace and/or adjust the incline level on the treadmill for 2 1/2 minutes, then slow it down for 2 1/2. If you like running outside more than on a treadmill, you can use songs as a way to break your workout into segments."Production director Alan Ellis says, "If you usually work out later in the day, try switching up your routine during the summer months to work out in the morning in order to beat the heat."

After you read our tips, feel free to leave yours below in the comment section in order to share them with other online readers. In the coming weeks, we'll print some of your fitness secrets in your weekly paper.