5 Healthy Fitness Tips to Keep You on Track This Summer

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Ah, summer. Warm weather is back and with it comes vacations, holidays, concerts, festivals and even weddings and other events just outside of the normal routine. With the days getting longer and the sun making everything a little bit brighter it’s normal for everything to be busier. It’s a beautiful day outside! Of course we want to get out and have some fun!

But with so much going on, so much to do and so many great summer cookouts to enjoy it’s easy to let health and fitness slide a little bit. So how do we keep our beach bodies in healthy condition to enjoy the beach in? Here are five tips to make your summer of fun a summer of fit and healthy.

Make a plan

The summer months are almost like getting extra time. You go to work, you come home and there’s still hours of daylight left to enjoy. It’s easy to get swept up in going out with friends or even just relaxing so it’s more important than ever to plan for your well-being. First, make sure you schedule your workouts. Make them a regular part of your routine if they aren’t already. Second, set yourself a summer fitness goal. Think of it as a mid-year resolution. Where do you want to be at the end of the summer? Take that goal and incorporate it into your date with the gym. If you’re task-oriented you can even put it down as a project with a deadline, your deadline being the end of summer.

Get out of the gym

You’ve planned your workouts and you have a goal, but it’s just so nice outside. That’s okay! Take your workout outside! There are all kinds of activities you can do outside that will give you the exercise you need and it has an added bonus that the gym can’t give you. Sunshine is a natural way to boost your vitamin D so slather on some sunscreen and get outdoors. Running, walking and swimming are all regular gym activities that are so much more fun in the summer sun.

Try something new

Good weather is a good opportunity to do something new. Tired of running, walking or swimming? Maybe try a group sport, like softball, or pick up cycling. Beach volleyball and hiking are also good summer activity ideas that are worth giving a try just to keep some variety in your routine. You might even make new friends while doing it!

Give yourself a break

We all need a vacation sometimes. This summer, give yourself permission to truly take a break. Going on a vacation? You don’t have to hit the hotel gym. Going to a family cookout? It’s okay to have that extra helping of potato salad. Treating yourself is an important component of any healthy plan. Consider it a reward for working hard to take care of yourself.

Drink plenty of water

If there is one all around tip for summer well-being that matters more than all the others it’s make sure you’re hydrated. No matter what your summer plans, from hiking the mountains or just chilling out in the air conditioning, summer heat means that getting enough water is critical. You can even make it easier to stay hydrated by investing in a cute water bottle or cup that will keep your water nice and cold for those hot days. And a bonus? Staying hydrated makes your skin look great, no tan required.

What are your best summer health and fitness tips? Let us know in the comments!