Summer Fitness Routines

The Best Summer Workouts and How to Make Them Stick

What better time to get outdoors to work up a sweat than in the summer? The weather is warm, the skies are clear and at some point you are probably going to be putting on a bathing suit. So while summer is already underway, it’s not too late to make sure you are “beach ready” with these fitness options.

Swimming

Summer is made for swimming; plus it’s a great calorie burner – 585 calories an hour! Whether you are in an ocean, lake, pool or river, swimming is a great exercise to mix into your routine, especially if you do a lot of other high-impact exercises. Swimming is low impact, but still provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all your muscles are used during the activity.

Park Yoga

Have you driven by your local park and observed a group of seemingly random people doing yoga? Why not join them? Summer is the perfect time for outdoor yoga, after all. And not only is it good for the body, it’s good for the mind too! Most major cities have Yoga in the Park groups. Look for them on your city’s parks and recreation page or go to Meetup.com to find out where you can get your “down dog” on while breathing in the fresh air, and grounding yourself into the earth.

Walking/Jogging

Walking or jogging is a great way to get outside and enjoy the warm weather and clear skies! Find a park by you that has jogging paths here. And try to go in the morning or the evening to avoid the heat of the day. Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if the weather is on the warmer side or the humidity is high. So hit the pavement and see all the beautiful things you’ve been missing while inside on the treadmill!

Ice Skating

Are you sick of the sunshine and warm weather? Go to the other extreme and find an ice skating rink in your area. Pretend it’s winter while working your muscles as you skate around the rink. Figure skating burns approximately 245 calories in just 10 minutes. Wow! And if you’re a person who runs warm, exercising in a cool temperature will be a great refresher! But, let’s be realistic - when barbeques, beer and outdoor concerts are calling, it’s hard to stick to a fitness routine. So, here are five tips to keep you working out all summer long.
  1. Take advantage of earlier days and later nights. Begin your workouts early in the morning or complete them late in the evening. The suns out, and the weather is usually ideal at this time, especially if you live in a climate that experiences harsh winters. Plus it is a great bookend to your day.
  2. Mix up your workout Try jogging for two days a week, throw in an outdoor yoga class one day and swim over the weekend. Working out is better when you mix it up!
  3. Don’t go it alone. Not only is this tip good for helping you stick to your routine, but it’s also a good safety precaution especially when exercising outside in public places. Studies show that having a fitness buddy will help you stay committed to your goals and also give you some great time to socialize.
  4. Remember to have fun! There are SO MANY great exercises, fitness classes and health groups out there that it is no longer necessary to “suffer through” your workouts. If you don’t like a workout you are trying, change it. The more you enjoy your workouts, the longer you will stick with them. Our tip? Check out Class Pass.
  5. Set a goal. What would you like to accomplish and in what time frame? Lose weight? Gain muscle? Or just feel better overall. Pick a goal and work towards it, every day. Use your fitness buddy to keep you accountable. Then celebrate all the small achievements along the way – and the big one at the end!
Hope you all are having a happy and healthy summer!