How to Use the Summer to Enhance Your Fitness
When summer time comes around, most all of us are looking for ways to slim down and tone up. But, most of us lose are motivation once the heat actually arrives. We may tell ourselves it’s too late, it’s too hot out, or we’re simply too busy trying to take time off. But, summer is actually the perfect time to get fit.
By using the summer to your advantage, you can slim down and be in wonderful shape for the holidays and beyond. Plus, when next summer rolls around, you’ll be ready to get going from day one. Here are some ways to utilize it!
Get Outdoors and Get Active
The heat means everyone is going to be getting outside. Even if you aren’t a fan of the hot weather, it’s ideal for getting out and being more active. Whether it’s a brisk morning walk before the temperatures really heat up or even an afternoon ball game at the park, there are lots of ways for you to enjoy all summer has to offer while being more active.
You can also be motivated by the warmth of the summer to shed your extra layers and go for a swim. Tennis, golf, and other outdoor sports and hobbies will get you moving while having fun and not having to deliberately think about exercise.
In fact, the best part about summer is how many opportunities you have to start getting more active without having to be confined to the gym. There are so many great “workout” opportunities that you won’t think twice about during the summer because they are disguised as pure fun.
Take Up A New Hobby
Maybe you don’t see yourself as a particularly active person, but why not change that? Every town has options for hobbies that you can pick up. Just a quick online search or a question in your friend’s circle can help you find clubs and groups that get together to bike, hike, and participate in other fun activities. You can also join a community team to pick up on a new sport.
If you are self conscious or would prefer to do things solo, what’s stopping you from learning something new by taking a lesson? Horse riding lessons, surfing lessons–anything you can think of that will get you outside and experiencing something new. Plus, at the same time, you’ll be building up a fun skillset while making lasting memories.
Think About Your Daily Habits
Ultimately, it’s your daily routine that’s going to shape your lifestyle and what you get out of it. If you find yourself vegging out on the sofa and snacking most the day, you aren’t going to get anywhere near the same results as someone who is getting outside every day and having fun at the park, in the water, or in the mountains.
In order to see lifelong results, you have to make lifelong changes that last far beyond your summer motivation to get fit. This entails figuring out what daily habits are negatively impacting your health and fitness, and then making changes to them. Small changes can really add up overtime.
Things like switching smoking for vaping or ditching your morning coffee for a morning walk are examples of small changes that can have a significant impact on your health. These daily changes will make all the difference in your long-term health and happiness, so don’t underestimate their power.
By committing to some small daily changes, you can begin to see a huge difference in how you look and feel. This beats the “cold turkey” approach every time, which most people relapse on once their initial motivation starts to fade. Motivation is enough to get you going, but habits are what will keep you going and working towards your goals!
The summer is the perfect time to begin making changes to your daily routines and building new healthy habits that will put you on track to a better lifestyle. Get out there and find new ways to have fun!