The late summer and early fall months are a great time to head outdoors for your fitness routine. But how do you make sure you're really getting in a great workout without the help of resistance equipment and mile-counters on the machines? Whether you choose to go swimming or head outside for a long jog, the heat may get to you faster than it would at the gym--which means you don't always know if you're pushing yourself hard enough. Here are ways to make the most of your workouts during late summer:

1. Wear the right clothing. Make sure your workout gear is well-suited for the weather or you risk dehydration and discomfort from the heat and humidity. You'll need lightweight, light-colored clothing made with moisture-wicking fabric so that your skin can breathe.

2. Throw on a visor. Pull your hair back in a ponytail if you have longer hair, and brush it back neatly if you have shorter hair so that you can wear a visor comfortably. A visor will help to block out the powerful sun rays of the late summer months and help you stay focused.

3. Wear sunglasses. Your eyes need to be protected from damaging UV rays, so make sure you're wearing a pair of well-fitting sunglasses that cover the entire eye area. Wraparound sunglasses and oversized sunglasses that reach your eyebrows are your best bets for an outdoor workout.

4. Carry a pedometer. Keep track of the miles you've covered so you're not pushing yourself beyond your limit. Set a goal and monitor your heart rate at regular intervals throughout the session so you don't injure yourself in the heat.

5. Don't forget the water bottle! Nothing will make you tired more quickly than being dehydrated. When you're working out under the hot sun, you need to prevent dehydration, so take along a large water bottle and keep it topped off from a water fountain whenever possible.

Working out outdoors is a great way to make the most of the nice weather during the late summer months and enjoy a change of scenery. Make sure you're well-prepared for the climate and protect yourself with these essential tips...and don't forget the sunscreen!

When the day is full of to-do lists and high stress levels, squeezing in a workout may be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, skimping on the workouts can quickly turn into a lifestyle that leads to weight gain, poor muscle tone and low energy levels. One of the easiest ways to combat the inevitable is to add just 20 to 30 minutes of focused exercises into your day. Still not convinced you can do it? Pick up some resistance bands and you'll be well on your way!

Resistance bands are easy to pack and stow away in your desk at the office, and you can use them virtually anywhere. They're a convenient alternative to dumbbells and you can still get a great workout from a few reps using major muscle groups. These bands look like giant rubber bands and come in an array of colors. You can tie them to a doorknob to turn your door into an instant weight-training machine, step down on them and lift them over your head to imitate the movements of an overhead press, or use them to perform more challenging squats and lunges.

Resistance bands are lightweight and portable, so plan to tote these along in your tote bag or work bag with ease. You can use the simple variety that are just basic bands, or go for the premium type that include safety straps (so you don't have to worry about slipping).

A few things to remember when strength training with resistance bands:

Always make sure the bands are tied securely around the object, or you risk hurting yourself
Stretch briefly before and after (sans resistance bands) so you don't shock your muscles into action
Watch your breathing, just as you would if you were lifting weights at the gym
Make sure your hands aren't wet or sweaty, or you risk losing your grip on the bands
Look for different ways to perform your usual gym workouts such as squats, lunges, overhead presses, bicep curls and tricep curls.

There are dozens of exercises you can do with resistance bands, and they're among the best workout tools to pack and take along on any busy day. Squeeze a resistance band workout into your busy day so you don't have to worry about piling on the pounds when there's no time for the gym!