Georgia Perimeter College faculty and staff are engaged in an array of activities to keep them physically fit—even during these long, sultry summer days. As we learned in a separate GPC Newsroom fitness feature, college employees are swimming, biking, practicing martial arts and even taking ballet.

Rodney Pegues, director of Health, Wellness and Recreation for the college, notes that it’s sometimes tough keeping up with a fitness routine when it’s so dang warm and sticky outside. Below, Pegues shares 10 Cool Tips for Summertime Fitness and for simply enjoying the weather—even if it is scorching hot.

1. Add water exercise to your exercise regime. Water aerobics, aqua Zumba and lap swimming all are fantastic ways to stay fit--and cool.

2.  Go vegetarian and add water to your diet. Prepare a meal without meat. Salads, vegetables, soups (cold or warm) and smoothies are mostly water. Your body is 80 percent water.

3. Sip a cool drink prepared at home. Green tea or fruit-infused water are healthy alternatives.

4. Exercise in the morning. It is cooler then, so you don't have to deal with the sun—plus you can hear the birds sing.

5. Host a smoothie party. Have guests bring their favorite fruits to create a variety of smoothies.

6. Lighten up! Wear clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen. The fibers breathe and allow for a reduced body temperature. Also, wear lighter colors. Light colors reflect sunlight and dark colors absorb sunlight. You may want to host a white party, where guests are asked to wear white linen or white cotton.

7. Get or give yourself a pedicure, then show it off with open toe shoes or sandals. No boots allowed! It’s summer, and you are not in Texas.

8. Relax or hang out at your college, neighborhood or community swimming pool. (Georgia Perimeter is a great place to start!)

9. Keep it cool. Wear a wide brim hat and your most stylish sunshades.

10. Move your workout indoors. Participate in a yoga, tai chi or Pilates class.