For many exercisers, summer is the main event. The season we sweat it out for during autumn, winter, and spring. Wel, not in our world. The old beach-body-ready trope helps no one because fitness is a year-round lifestyle that’s way more healthy when it becomes a way of life. We choose to stay fit during the summer because it’s good for us and helps us enjoy those warmer months even more.
However, we don’t live on Planet Zorg – we also know how tempting it is to scratch off that workout for pool-lounging and cocktail drinking. Of course, you can still do that, but if you really want to maintain your fitness goals in the summer then we need to talk about balance. And planning. And all the other tips we have for you.
Tips for maintaining your fitness goals in the summer
1 – Set realistic goals
First and foremost, you can’t maintain goals if they’re not achievable. This is valid for summer or for any season of the year. For summer specifically, bear in mind that this is a period of fun and relaxation. Summer vacation does not have to include endless hours of exercise, but it doesn’t mean you have to completely stop exercising. As in most things in life, balance is key.
2 – Follow a plan
Maintaining your fitness goals in the summer needs a plan. This, too, needs to be realistic. If you’re busier in the summer months, it’s crucial to take that into account. By planning your workouts, you give your brain an obligation and are more likely to stick to your goals. Write it down – on a calendar or as an alert on your phone to say, for example, at 6 pm that day you’re doing a HIIT workout. Again, a personal trainer or workout buddy can help you stay accountable.
3 – Drink more fluids (choose wisely!)
It’s hot. And needless to say, easier to run the risk of dehydration – especially if you’re exercising outdoors (side note: avoid working out between 10 am and 4 pm if you want to avoid peak temperatures). So, increase your water consumption and try to lower the amount of caffeine. Soda and alcohol can lure us in during the summer month, but those empty calories and sugar-laden temptations can quickly undo your positive efforts.
4 – Sneak in steps wherever you can
Going on vacation this year? Relax! We’re not going to tell you to burpee your way to the beach. However, there are ways to bring exercise into your holiday without sacrificing your downtime. Many getaways include hiking opportunities, beach games such as volleyball or frisbee, as well as plenty of watersports such as swimming or surfing. Other sneakier ways to increase your physical activity on vacation can include:
- Carrying your own luggage to your room
- Skipping the lift and taking the stairs to the lobby
- Picking up your own room service
- Doing laps around your room while Facetiming the family back home
- Walking or bicycling to your destinations instead of hopping a Metro or driving
5 – Try quick workouts
Your muscles and joints are more flexible in the summer, meaning less warm-up time. This also means you can squeeze in quicker workouts such as high-intensity interval training or heavy-resistance training, burning maximum calories in half the time and leaving you to enjoy the rest of your summer activities.
6 – Join a gym
Gyms during summer are heaven on earth: climatized, never crowded, and with all the gear you need for a great workout. There are plenty of reasons you should join a gym during this season, but none beats finding one with the atmosphere, professionals and equipment that have you coming back for more. Because you want to, not because you have to. EVO was designed with your motivation, goals, and well-being at the forefront, from our state-of-the-art technology to our movement-centric philosophy. Want help maintaining your fitness goals this summer? Your free trial awaits.
