Staying Motivated in the Summer Heat
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s tempting to ditch the gym and soak up the sun. But before you swap your dumbbells for daiquiris, think about why staying consistent with your workout routine is a must, even when the beach is calling your name:
Lost Progress: Those strength gains and endurance improvements you worked so hard for can start to diminish after just a few weeks of inactivity.
Motivation Dip: Getting back into a routine after a break can feel like climbing Everest. The longer you stay away, the harder it is to return.
Mental Health Impact: Exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. Without it, those summer stressors might feel a bit heavier.
Taking off a week here or there is no big deal…life happens. But taking two to three months off is detrimental to all the progress you have made throughout the year. Yes, it’s hot…You’d rather meet friends on the patio or take a nap in your hammock…there’s a pool lounge with your name on it. No matter your excuse to not work out, below are a few ways to stay motivated in the summer.
Excuse 1
“IT’S TOO HOT OUTSIDE…I HAVE NO ENERGY”
Exercise earlier in the day when your energy is at its highest and when the air or room temperatures are at their coolest. Not only will this help you have the most energy to exercise, but exercising early in the morning will give your more energy throughout the day. And stay hydrated!
Excuse 2
“SERIOUSLY, WHAT’S UP WITH THIS HEAT”
Work out at a gym that has great air conditioning and good air circulation; gyms can provide you with everything you need to exercise while beating the heat. Exercising in a space with air-conditioning is especially good and highly recommended for anyone who has any health issues such as asthma, high blood pressure, or type-2 diabetes. Success Studios has cranked on the A/C for your comfort.
Excuse 3
“MY FRIENDS ARE HANGING AT THE POOL INSTEAD OF WORKING OUT…’CAUSE IT’S TOO DARN HOT”
Just use the pool as a reward for working out. And if you get “shamed” about your workouts, brush it off and remind yourself how important staying fit is to you. True friends will always be there for you – at the gym with you or to meet up with you after.
Excuse 4
“MY WORKOUT SCHEDULE JUST GOT EATEN UP BY WORKING LONGER DAYS TO HAVE SUMMER FRIDAYS”
If you know that you have to work longer hours, then change your workout time to accommodate your new work schedule. Block your lunch hour as ‘out of office’ and go to the gym or outdoors for a yoga workout or a run. Take advantage of early mornings and longer day time hours to fit your workout in before work or later in the evening. Both early mornings and evenings are beneficial times of the day to exercise to amp up energy or de-stress from a long day. Make no excuses, and manage your time by managing your priorities.
Excuse 5
“IN THE SUMMER I GET FIT PLAYING BASEBALL ON THE WEEKENDS”
Although playing in a sports league or being a weekend warrior will keep you active and fit, nothing replaces a regular workout in the gym. Fitness professionals, including the certified personal trainers at Success Studio, recommend that you need to get into the gym, or continue with your regular strength training routine at least two times a week, to remain strong and injury free. But that’s not the only reason! It is important to keep engaged in a regular fitness routine at least one to two times a week so that you do not lose the habit of working out. This will make returning to the gym and back into your fitness routine easier come autumn.
Excuse 6
”SUMMER IS WHEN I GO TO THE CABIN AND SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY”
While summertime may be busier with vacation and family time outings, it really comes down to prioritizing what’s important to you. If exercising three days of the week is important for all the benefits it brings, then it is almost guaranteed that you can make it work. That might mean doing an early morning run before the kids are out of bed, doing a shorter workout like HIIT, or choosing a family activity that is all about being active, like a bike ride.
Excuse 7
”THE SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE CHANGED AND IT DOESN’T WORK FOR ME”
Stop allowing something out of your control take control. Instead, take the opportunity to change up your summer fitness schedule to accommodate the changes around you. You might just take a class that will become your new favorite. Outdoor boot camps and personal training are very popular this time of year, so you will have more options to stay motivated in the summer.
No more excuses! It’s actually a lot easier to just stay on track. Just set goals, be creative and consistent with your workouts, and stay connected to your fitness family. Always remember, whether you’re exercising indoors or outdoors, Success Studio is here to keep you motivated and moving all summer long. And if you need a membership to an indoor gym space with, among other things, great air conditioning, click the button below!