Summer’s here, and that’s awesome. Warm weather, tons of outdoor programs, and thousands of people taking full advantage of all the gorgeous green spaces, parks, and trails that the Twin Cities area has to offer. Life doesn’t get much better than this.
But maintaining your fitness levels during the hotter months isn’t necessarily a given. Even with all the exciting opportunities available to you, you still need persistence and dedication to set, work towards, and meet your workout goals rather than slacking off and taking a “Summer vacation” from your exercise program. So here are 5 laws to live by to take advantage of Summer while still staying in shape and improving your fitness:
Take advantage of the weather; try something new
The real beauty of Summer is that there’s so much to do when the weather is nice. And so many outdoor activities are great fitness opportunities, so you’ll definitely want to integrate them into your routine and skillset to have fun while staying in shape.
Whether it’s kayaking on our countless lakes, climbing some real rocks rather than just the boulder wall in your gym, or doing some long-distance trail running/biking, taking advantage of the great weather and trying out new fitness activities will give you not just a workout, but a break in your normal routine to help mix things up.
Don’t skip the gym, even when it’s nice out
On the flipside, having so many cool outdoor activities can mean it’s far too easy to start slipping on the fitness fundamentals that keep you moving towards your goals. Getting out and running may be great cardio, but if you’re doing that every single day instead of hitting the weights, your body is going to notice and respond.
So like everything in life, finding a healthy balance is key. Some days will be a fun new outdoor challenge, other days will be hitting the gym like normal, and some days could even be working outside with your trainer to try something new while still advancing.
Set a Summer goal, every Summer
As we all know so well, goals are everything. They give you something to visualize, a concrete number to track, and–eventually–an accomplishment to celebrate. Goals keep us motivated and define our workouts, and when Summer rolls around and offers so many opportunities for new and fun distractions, sometimes those goals can fall by the wayside.
So one of the most effective fitness choices you can make is to set a Summer goal for yourself. Whether that’s to get out and run a half-marathon, climb a particularly challenging rock face, or get to a basic competency with a new outdoor skill, setting a goal can help structure your Summer fun in a way that keeps your body healthy.
Eat well: nourish your body and soul
Let’s be real, though: Summer isn’t just full of healthy outdoor fitness activities. It’s also full of opportunities to set your body down a path you don’t want. From endless burgers and brats at endless Summer cookouts, to delicious-but-not-always-healthy dinners on your favorite restaurant’s patio, to baseball games, beer gardens, and food truck festivals, Summer offers endless chances to throw your nutrition out of whack.
Of course, we exercise in part to give us the leeway to enjoy these fun and celebratory activities, and the last thing you want to do is let the season slip by without going out with your friends. But if nutrition is important to you, make sure to balance these with other awesome Summer eating opportunities: fresh-picked vegetables, refreshing and nutritious smoothies, and the best your local farmer’s market has to offer.
Drink some water. Drink some water again.
Oh c’mon, you had to know this one was coming, right? It’s Summer. It’s hot. You’re sweating. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, grab your water bottle and take a drink. Once you’re done, grab it again, and take another drink. There. Now your body is happier and healthier, and you’re less likely to hurt yourself from over-exertion and dehydration. Keep it on-hand always, and don’t ever be afraid to take a sip.
Summer offers so many fun and unique activities to help keep you in shape, but it can also make it hard to maintain the structure and routine that works best for you. To give yourself the best chance at a great fitness experience, contact the training-first fitness community at The Gym MPLS to ensure that you’re working with trainers that work for your needs. For more info on The Gym MPLS or our Apex Anywhere program, email info@thegymmpls.com or give us a call at (612) 405-3002. And while you’re at it, give us a follow on Instagram (@trainwithapex/@thegymmpls) for daily motivation, tips for trainers, and more.
