All for just $25!

Last summer, I was at my local consignment shop, hunting for goodies, when I came across an old three-speed English bicycle. It had fat tires, a wide, comfy seat, and a lovely wicker basket attached to the handlebars by cracked leather straps with brass buckles. It was love at first sight. Twenty-five dollars later the dark green beauty was tied to the roof of my Mini Cooper and on its way to a new life.

The perfect team!
With a thorough tune-up at the local bike shop and a lot of T.L.C., the Grand Dame was ready for her close up. She and I were a perfect team, ladies of a certain age with well-earned dings and dents on essentially sound bodies that cleaned up nicely when properly attended to.

I spent hours on my bike last summer, running errands and cruising my neighborhood. I cycled to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, feeling decidedly European as I returned home with the wicker basket filled with heirloom tomatoes and fragrant basil, artisanal cheeses, and a long, fresh baguette, straight as a standard, pointing the way home. Sure, I was passed in a blur by the local cycling group decked out in spandex and aerodynamic helmets, but it was worth it to take in the sights and stop to talk to the neighbors or admire a garden on my way.

Summer is an easy time to tone up
I also noticed that after a few weeks, my capris fit a little better and even after years of running, my legs felt more toned and supple. All that time I spent having fun on my bike was clearly enhancing my exercise regimen. My “aha” moment came when I realized that summer is the perfect time to ramp up your fitness level, as you revel in the glory days of warmth and sunshine.

Why is it that French women don’t get fat?
Remember that book that explained why French women don’t get fat? The book’s basic premise was that French women lead a naturally active lifestyle – they walk a lot, evidently they have vigorous and frequent sex, and they eat tiny portions of exquisitely prepared food.

Get active and have fun!
Luckily, the French have not cornered the market on activity and thoughtful eating. Women anywhere, buoyed by the relaxed days of summer, can do all of that and more. We can use the beautiful weather and light-filled, languid days to break out of our ruts. Exercise doesn’t have to be routine. Why not make it a part of a rich, active lifestyle? Go for a long hike with your husband or a girlfriend, explore the trail system in your city or town, either on your bike or on foot, ride your bike to the farmer’s market, or the beach, or the local pool. Take a walking tour of a nearby city and discover a new wine bar or specialty bookshop. If you’re planning on going away for vacation, look into adventure tours – you can bike through wine country, kayak along the coast or hike a new trail.

What about food?
Food, too, presents new ways to savor the bounty of summer while staying healthy. With abundant local produce you can experiment with vegetarian delights – grilled, steamed, or roasted to perfection. Abandon heavy cakes and creams for desserts of seasonal fruits and sorbets. Make smaller portions appealing with artful arrangements of the food you’ve carefully chosen and prepared – and perhaps even grown yourself.

Be mindful
A mindful life can be a fit and healthy life, made even easier in summer. Embrace all that this glorious season has to offer. The rewards will pay off in body and spirit.