OK, so you’ve already made and kept your commitment to regular exercise during the fall, winter and spring months. But along comes summer and all of a sudden your commitment wanes and when September arrives you haven’t been to the gym in 2-3 months. This can make you feel like you’re back at square one again and that little voice in your head says “I blew it”.
Here’s a list of some of the challenges you may face adhering to your fitness in July and August and some suggestions to keep you on track. Remember, just maintaining and not seeing progress during this time is OK too.
“The kids are out of school and I’m too busy with their activities”
Depending on the activities your kids are involved in, this doesn’t have to hold you back. If your kids are taking swimming lessons, see if you can swim a few laps during their lesson. Go for a walk while they’re at baseball practice or dance class.
“My relatives are here for weeks at a time”
Take them on hikes/walks so they can see more than just your backyard. On rainy days, go bowling. You may even be able to squeeze some baby-sitting out of visiting grandparents and hit the gym once in a while.
“I usually go to the gym at work”
Think outside the box and try some outdoor activities. Try a round of pitch and putt golf, go kayaking or do the Grouse Grind.
“We’re visiting relatives out of province for 2 weeks”
Include your family in your fitness. Just like you can show them around your town doing outdoor activities, ask to see their neck of the woods via walking, hiking or visiting local sites. Include a healthy picnic lunch and your day is made.
“I’m spending money on summer camps and daycare for my kids”
How about saving money on a gardener by mowing your own lawn. Depending on the size of the lawn, you can burn around 300 calories in an hour of lawn mowing.
“The weather is too good to go to the gym”
Then take your workout outside – you can walk or run in the park, do a body weight workout, try an open water swim at the beach…make sure there is a lifeguard on duty and that you’re a strong enough swimmer for the conditions.
“I don’t have childcare so I can’t go to the gym”
Include your kids in your workout. If they’re old enough, take them to the tennis courts or shoot some hoops in the park. How about starting a neighborhood street hockey game?
Whatever you do, don’t stress about it. When September comes, things will settle down and you’ll get back into your fitness routine. When that time comes and you need some extra help, think about a Curtis Health certified personal trainer, who can motivate you, help you with goal setting and create a fitness program tailored just for you.
