8 Ways to Practice Summer Fitness

As the days get longer and the temperatures creep higher, are you ready to embrace everything that summer has to offer? This is a season to kick back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful weather! However, as you indulge in a little much-needed R&R, don’t forget to keep your fitness routine on track. Whether you’re already following a workout regimen or you’re finally ready to kickstart one, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re sharing eight simple steps to amplify your summer fitness approach.

So turn on the AC, pick your favorite playlist, and get ready to break a sweat!

1. Enjoy Water-Based Cardio

If you have access to a local indoor pool, you can enjoy the benefits of swimming all year round! This is one of the very best exercises when you want to tone up and get your heart rate going, too. 

Whether you prefer breaststroke or freestyle, swimming is an excellent form of cardio. However, it’s also gentle on your joints and takes the stress out of any impact. This way, you can build endurance and boost your muscle strength without feeling exceptionally sore the next day. 

Plus, swimming is a great way to cool down and beat those scorching summer temperatures! From the local gym to public or private pools, there are likely plenty of spots you can sign up and get started. Make sure you have a swimsuit you can move comfortably in, as well as any other gear, such as a hair cap or goggles, that you might need. 

Of course, don’t forget to use sunscreen if you plan to swim outdoors! Experts say to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or in the water.

2. Run the Trails

Running outside is a great way to stay in shape, but your routine can also be heavily dependent on the weather. No one wants to lace up their running shoes when it’s freezing outside. While indoor tracks are a viable alternative, they don’t exactly offer the most inspirational views. 

Thankfully, the summer offers a reprieve from this discomfort. If you prefer to run on a track, see if your local high school will allow you to work out on theirs. As an alternative, consider researching local hiking and running trails in your area.

Usually, these paths are cleared, safe, and easy to access. An added perk is that they’re often in the woods, offering you plenty of shade against the beating sun. Follow this guide to find the best pair of running shoes, and be sure to hydrate along the way.  

3. Incorporate Botanicals

Have you been interested in adding a botanical supplement to your fitness routine? This summer is a great time to get started. From kanna to kratom, there are many different types to research and try. 

Many of these products can deliver an uptick in energy to help amplify your workout regimen. You can also find ones that boost your stamina, so you can work out for longer. At small doses, some kratom powders such as Elephant Kratom Powder, can improve your focus and mental clarity, helping you power through even the most intense circuit with ease. 

You can also use these products to help soothe and relax your muscles after a particularly challenging workout. Instead of soaking in Epsom salts, consider adding some kratom powder to your bath water! Try this with Red Vein Bali Kratom Powder, which is known for its mild sedative qualities. There’s nothing like a long soak on a summer night. 

4. Try Online Workouts

Is it just a little too hot to go outdoors today? If you’re not feeling up to tackling the sweltering heat, you can easily access online workout videos from the comfort of your own home!

From yoga to HIIT workouts, there are virtual training resources designed to meet every preference and personal fitness level. Many are also time-sensitive and seasonal, designed to meet you right where you’re at! To access these, try typing in a phrase like “summer workout challenge” to see what you can find. 

Whether you’ve got 10 minutes or a few hours, you can enjoy one-on-one instruction from some of the best fitness experts in the world. Want to boost the effects of your sweat session? Try incorporating a pre-workout supplement before you get started. 

If you’re new to this realm, we’ve put together this quick guide to sports nutrition supplements to get you started! From caffeine and l-arginine to beta-alanine and creatine, there are many different types to choose from, each delivering its own set of benefits. 

5. Start the Morning With Yoga

When you first begin a yoga routine, you might be surprised at how easy and gentle it feels. Then, by the time it’s up, you’re definitely feeling the burn, but also feeling stronger than ever. 

Yoga does more than center your breathing and help you meditate more deeply. It’s also one of the most effective full-body workouts around, strengthening your core and toning your muscles. If you’re wondering how to get fit for summer, this is a great place to start. 

Whether you go to an in-person studio, pop in a DVD, or find a video online, try to start your morning with yoga a few times each week. Be sure to leave enough time to cool down and sit in silence after you’re done. This is a great way to recharge for the day, reflect on how you’re feeling, and begin the day with a strong shot of heart-healthy gratitude. 

6. Take Up Biking

Biking is a great way to burn calories outdoors in the summer. While the recent Peleton craze has taken the fitness world by storm, don’t underestimate the power of a simple, traditional bike ride. 

Research shows that the average person will burn between 450 and 750 calories per hour of cycling. Not to mention, this is a great way to feel like a kid again! Few feelings are as exhilarating as holding the handlebars and gliding down a hill with the wind at your back. 

Maybe you prefer mountain biking, where you can maneuver between towering trees and around rocky terrain. Or, you may prefer the ease and convenience of a smooth, paved track. Other, more experienced athletes may choose to take up road cycling. 

Whichever sport you choose, remember to follow the correct safety precautions and wear the right gear. Biking is a great way to work out this summer, but it’s important to know the associated risks and plan accordingly. 

7. Amplify Your Strength Training Routine

Will this be the season that you feel stronger and more capable than ever before? To get there, you’ll need to add strength training to your summer workout plan. 

To bulk up and add muscle mass, try gradually increasing your weight load and target different muscle groups at a time. You can also take supplements to make sure you get enough nutrients and aid in your recovery efforts. There are even specific weight-gaining supplements available that contain protein and other calorie-adding ingredients to help you reach your physical goals. 

If you’re interested in using herbal supplements to support your muscle growth, we’ve created the ultimate guide to help you get started. 

8. Keep Breakfast and Lunch Healthy

Your diet plays a major role in your fitness efforts. By now, you may already know that it’s best to consume the bulk of your calories before 3:00 p.m. However, this doesn’t mean you can load up on unhealthy foods for breakfast and lunch.

Instead, aim to make these the healthiest meals of your day! Keep your dinners light, and dig into healthy fats, lean protein, and lots of yummy fruits and vegetables during the earlier hours.

If you’re looking for a great protein source, stick with eggs, which offer a great balance of healthy amino acids. Plus, these can help stave off hunger for a few hours and keep you feeling full. Complex carbohydrates, like bagels, have the opposite effect and will send you back to the fridge sooner. 

Turn Up the Dial on Your Summer Fitness Routine

You’ll naturally want to move more when the weather feels better. Take advantage of this motivation and aim to make this the season when you tackle all of your summer fitness goals head-on!

Whether you choose to swim, cycle, practice yoga, or lift weights, there is an exercise routine out there for you. To make sure you’re consistent, choose activities that you actually enjoy and are willing to stick with for the long haul. This way, you’ll be more willing to stick with your newfound regimen even after summer fades into fall, and long after. 

Along the way, we’ve got all of the fitness guides you need. Want to lose belly fat just in time for swimsuit season? Check out our post on how to do so without losing that muscle you worked so hard to gain!