Plan , Flex, Fun for the win!

My 3 secrets to sustaining health in summer!

Oh, sweet, sun-kissed, stifling, sweaty, sweltering summer, you sure make your presence known! On the one hand, hooray for the holiday state of mind, the frozen treats, and longer days, and then on the other… well, just typing that sentence made me break a sweat! 😅

Between the urge to take a vacation from all responsibilities and the desire to crawl inside your freezer to hide until fall, how do we keep our healthy habits from jumping on the next flight outta town?

This week, I want to share how I keep healthy habits sustainable through the summer, keeping my energy and enjoyment levels up nearly as high as the temperatures! It's all about three key principles: Planning, Flexibility, and Fun!

1. Planning is Your Summer Superpower

Summer often brings a shift in routines, but a little planning goes a long way in keeping your wellness on track.

• Pack Smart: When I head off on holiday, making sure to pack my workout gear is a non-negotiable when it comes to suitcase space. A quick online search of a hotel’s fitness facilities, outdoor parks, or expected activities helps me prepare for making movement a priority wherever I go.

• Schedule "Free" Time: Paradoxically, planning for unstructured time is essential. Blocking out moments in my calendar with no specific plans makes me more capable of soaking in that easy-breezy feeling – these time slots can be used to move workouts around or simply relax and recharge without guilt.

• Strategic Nutrition: With more BBQs or travel, it’s impossible (and no fun!) to be overly obsessed about controlling every meal. I tend to plan to get my veggies and nutrient-dense foods on the days or meals I do have control over. This balances out the inevitable indulgences!

2. Embrace Flexibility (Because Summer Happens!)

Summer always throws curveballs – visits from out-of-town guests, sudden downpours, or stifling heat waves. This is where flexibility becomes my best friend.

• Mix Up Workouts, Don't Ditch Them: Too hot to get outside? I do an online Zumba class or workout. Guests are coming by in an hour? I pick up the weights for ten minutes. Staying adaptable makes it easier to be consistent!

• Redefine Success: Summer can get crazy busy, and sometimes I feel like I’m not keeping up… and that's okay! I try to reframe my thinking from striving for "progress" to celebrating "maintenance" as a massive success.

3. Find the Fun in the Sun (and Sweat!)

Summer is the season for celebrating joy, and I want my wellness habits to reflect that!

• New Adventures: Breaking a sweat by joining friends for new activities – a swim, an early morning walk, or a sunset bike ride – provides the chance to feel like a part of summer, rather than wishing it away!

• Family Fun: Although I have no little ones, I’ve loved having my private clients invite their children to join in a dance or two while they are home from school. Get the whole family involved in movement. It doesn’t need to be fancy – just play rather than sticking to the screens!

• Community Connection: And of course, there's nothing more fun than seeing all of you in class! The shared energy and smiles make every workout a sweaty celebration rather than torture!

As I gear up for a summer holiday of my own (note: no in-person classes from July 23rd to August 2nd), I’ve got “Plan, Flex, Fun” at the forefront of my mind, and next week, I’ll be sharing a helpful way to keep YOU moving while I’m away, too!

What are your secrets for keeping committed to your health habits throughout the summer? Share them with us here!

Let's keep dancing our way through a healthful summer together!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie