The summertime is a weird dichotomy in the fitness world. We have people stressing over wanting their perfect “bikini body” while also struggling to juggle their routine amidst concerts, vacations, and weeknight rooftop outings. It can be really stressful to want things that seem to completely oppose each other. A lot of my clients decide they must choose between a fun summer and their fitness goals. I’m here to tell you you can have both.
Find a “why” that brings you joy
If your “why” has anything to do with putting yourself down (i.e. “I’m too fat/skinny/not hot enough/etc.”) and that’s what you’re using to motivate yourself to work out, it’s going to leave you feeling like crap every time you move your body.
Now think about how many times you feel motivated to do something that makes you feel like crap. Exactly.
Find a “why” that excites you, and you will be much more likely to get excited for your workouts.
Plan your workouts
The summer is the time to relax and have a much less rigid schedule. HOWEVER, if you just allow yourself to completely go with the flow during this season, you will be much less likely to have time to work out.
I suggest you plan to do your workouts at the beginning of the day so you know for sure you’re getting them done- and then allow yourself to float down the lazy river for the rest of the day if you’d like.
You can have both things.
When possible, move outside
There is so much research on the benefits of the sun and greenery on our mental (and physical!) health. The summer is arguably the nicest weather to be outside-having to force yourself to forgo that in order to be in the gym is going to make it harder to stick to your workouts.
Why not opt for some Pilates, HIIT, or jogging in the park? If you walk fast enough, you can still get your 3-30-12 outside, too.
Prioritize important food events, and opt for healthy choices the rest of the time
I know, I KNOW- you’re ready to have fun this summer. I’m not saying you shouldn’t. But if you want to continue building momentum towards your goals, have a look at your calendar and decide which food events will bring you the most joy and which ones you’re be bringing your Tupperware to.
Your best friend’s birthday dinner at your favorite restaurant? PLEASE have your favorite dish there.
Your husband makes a fancy dinner for a home date night? Live it up.
You get invited to your older neighbor’s BBQ with over-cooked burgers and the chicken salad with just too much mayo? Why not choose that day to stick to your goals?
A two week-long vacation where you’ll be eating out every day? Try to stick to your plan for every 4/5 meals.
Just be sure you’re deciding ahead of time (where possible) which events you’ll be choosing. This will help you to avoid getting swayed in the moment by peer pressure or just merely going with the flow thoughtlessly.
The goal is to always be intentional.
Get a friend involved
The summer is when people tend to have more time on their hands and want to spend it doing things to connect with their loved ones. Why not kill two birds with one stone and link up with a friend with the same goals as you?
I can tell you from personal experience, a lifting session goes by much faster when I’m talking smack with my best friend, and I’m far less likely to skip a session when I know there will be someone else I’d be disappointing besides myself.
It would be beneficial to make some friends with your same goals as well, if you don’t have any already. Studies show the people you surround yourself with have a much stronger influence on who we become than one might think. When your parents told you “You are who you surround yourself with”, they weren’t exaggerating.
When it comes to enjoying your summer whilst staying fit, remember to not allow perfection to be the enemy of good. Being consistent, even if you’re consistently going less hard than you usually do, is still going to work in your favor. One step forward is still forward, even if it’s just one step. Be easy on yourself, and enjoy moving more slowly.
