How to Stay in Shape this Summer

Isn’t it funny how a shift in seasons can so quickly throw off our routines? Summer is especially unstructured when you have children or plan a lot of getaways; then there are the social activities that only happen in summer like BBQs and outdoor weddings. So with all of this upheaval (though we should be used to it happening every year), how does one stay in shape this summer? 

My Summer Shift

I love summer for the longer days and nice weather; it becomes so much easier to get outside to exercise. When I’m outdoors, I don’t even think about what I’m doing as exercise most of the time. Puttering in the garden, going for walks, bike rides, or going paddle boarding are just fun for me. Yet by the time November shows up, it takes a lot more effort to do the same activities in the dark or rain. 

As we are ever so slowly easing out of the pandemic (fingers crossed!), it feels like summer has sprung up out of nowhere! Perhaps it’s because my studio had to be closed for much of the spring. When we reopened, everyone (especially me) was excited to get back to class. That excitement led to an unexpected exhaustion, as I feel like I’d been semi-retired for three months! My teaching time suddenly doubled, and it took me a few weeks to readjust, though I’m very happy to be back. 

One of the best things about the studio reopening is that it means many other things are reopening as well. Suddenly, we all have more options on what we can do. Our calendars are filling up with get togethers, appointments, and group classes. It’s exciting, fun, and maybe even a little uncomfortable after this year of keeping apart.

So with all of the options before us and the routine shake-up of the season, how do we keep up with our fitness to stay in shape this summer? I have some ideas.

6 Ways to Stay in Shape this Summer

1. Embrace your summer activities. Like I mentioned earlier, you may be doing more exercise than you think, even if it isn’t your usual format. Long walks on the beach? Hiking with friends? Tending the garden? These activities all are keeping your body moving – and are fun!
2. Get up early. It’s hard to motivate yourself to work out when it is 30+ degrees outside, or when the family wants to hit the beach. Since my daughters are older (late teen and early 20’s), I could have until noon before they get up some days! Use the quiet mornings to get outside for a walk, run, or bike ride before the heat and traffic pick up. Or stay in, and do a home workout from Sweat with Melissa before the house gets too hot. 
3. Plan active outings. Try to make movement part of every outing. Go to a lake that has hiking trails nearby; you can hike first then enjoy a swim and chill time on the beach. Go boating but include swimming, skiing or wake surfing. Play 9 or 18 holes of golf, but walk instead of using a cart. Pack a lunch and hike to your picnic spot. Locally, we have a creek that you can canoe or kayak up, and then hike to some waterfalls. What else can you come up with? 
4. Pre-book fitness classes. When your classes are already planned and on the calendar, you’ll be much more likely to attend. You can plan other activities around them, and you won’t miss out when you try to squeeze in a class at the last minute, only to find out it’s full. Committing to yourself, your health, and your wellness should be a priority. It’s one of my go-to tricks to staying active. 
5. Visit the gym or take a class while travelling. When I go away, I love trying out a new Pilates studio. Using the gym or taking a class is another great way to loosen stiff muscles after hours of travelling. And for those who want to maximize their vacation time but still keep moving, try these Pilates exercises you can do anywhere. 
6. Sign up for an event or challenge. Look for a local fun run or obstacle course, and commit to going with friends. You can prepare together, and have something to look forward to. Or sign up for a run in the fall, so you are motivated to keep running and stay in shape in summer. 

Whether your summers are full of activities or meant for taking it easy, it seems many people find it hard to stay in shape in summer. My wish for you is that you keep moving no matter the season! Tweak your schedule, add or remove activities to fit with the season – but keep going. It shouldn’t be an option to stop moving because the sun came out! Think of exercise as non-negotiable, and you’ll find a way to make it work. Eating is necessary. We need to sleep. Hydration is a must. And our bodies need to move!