I’ll be the first to admit that I get pretty lax with my fitness when it starts getting warmer. Summer has always been a time for socializing with friends and I usually end up skipping my workouts in favour of patio days, barbecues or beach trips. Not to mention all the fruity cocktails and yummy food that come with them.
But, I know how much better I feel if I’m working out consistently, so I’ve been trying to come up with ways to make my workouts fit into my current social life a little better. The key, I’ve found, is to make the workouts themselves a social event.
[Tweet “5 ways to stay fit this summer without sacrificing your social life”]
1. Hiking
I can’t say that I’ve been on many hikes in my lifetime, but I do enjoy looking at the mountains and trees when everything starts blooming. So why not actually get out there and experience the beauty up close? Plus, it’s a great way to get in a little cardio. Grab some friends, pack some snacks, find a trail and make a day of it.
2. Swimming
I used to be a swimmer way back in my teens and, although I stopped a long time ago, I still miss it from time to time, especially in the summer. Swimming is a great way to stay cool in the summer heat and burn calories at the same time. And the best part? You and your friends can swim together and, when you’re done with your workout, you can throw the pool party of the century. Double win.
3. Running
We all know that I’m not much of a runner, but in the summer I feel almost guilty if I’m not making full use of the outdoors. Lacing up my sneaks and heading outside for a jog (or a brisk walk) on a cool summer morning is a great way to do that, especially if you can rope in some friends. If none of your friends are the running type, why not join a running group? You can get in some cardio and make new friends at the same time.
4. Biking
As with running, I’m not much for biking, and I don’t expect that I’ll ever be. I’m pretty clumsy and live in constant fear of falling off my bike and into oncoming traffic. But, I know that biking is an amazing way to stay active and get your fill of the outdoors, especially if hiking and running aren’t for you. Plus, it’s something else you can do with friends.
5. Bootcamps
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I absolutely love group fitness classes and bootcamps take it one step further. My gym, GoodLife Fitness, offers 6 week small group training camps and I’ve always wanted to try one out. Unlike group classes, bootcamps cater to smaller groups of people and you’re able to get one on one attention from the coaches and foster deeper relationships with the people in the class. And if that isn’t social enough for you, you and your friends can all sign up to do the class so you can get in a workout while spending time together.
What about you?
- Do you workout more or less in the summer?
- How do you stay active at this time of year? Any more to add?
- Do you and your friends ever workout together?
Share in the comments below!
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This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program; however all opinions expressed are my own.
Summer is my time for tennis and golf although I do try to keep up with running and strength workouts… just fewer of them!
Elle recently posted…5 Reasons To Work Out With Intention
Summer is a hard time for me to get motivated as well! It’s just so dang hot outside here in Florida :-). I love to go running (after 7 p.m. ha!) and play tennis with my husband on the weekends.
Carly @ FitLiving blog recently posted…What makes you feel more alive?
I like having workout buddies, both because it makes the time go faster and because it keeps me accountable. I go to the gym with my neighbor, have a yoga day with my mom, lift weights with my dad, and go running with my boyfriend. So even if one or 2 people cancels, I still have a decent number of workouts planned!
Jenn @ Optimization Actually recently posted…Sunday Sweats – A Bump in the Road
I’ve started running again this summer (though I live in Scotland so summer isn’t really here lol) and I’ve started to run with my husband. I never used to like to workout with other people, but I’ve started to really enjoy it. I’m going to be leading a small boot camp in a couple of weeks, and I take a maximum of 6 people — so you’re very right about the personal attention! Great tips! 🙂
Erin@BeetsPerMinute recently posted…5 Tips For Staying Healthy In A New City
The only time I ever willingly run when nothing’s chasing me = when I’m going with a friend! :] It’s such a great way to catch up on life/visit different favorite spots while I’m at home! :]
Farrah recently posted…5 Ways To Healthify Your Vacation
kayaking! weee!
Swimming is at the top of my list during the warm winter months. Good recommendations! You totally should join my new twitter chat #fitmyth every Monday at 4pmEST. Yesterday we talked about staying healthy while on vacation =)
Becki S recently posted…The Unattractive N word
I’m training for a few fall races, so running is definitely one of my activities. I have been saying I want to go hiking for the past few years and I plan to go late summer! I wouldn’t mind going canoeing/kayaking either.
Artney @ My Pretty Brown recently posted…NEW Run/Walk Strategy from Jeff Galloway
Well, you know I love to run! And bike. I’m a solo exerciser tho, so I need to do a better job reaching out to do these things with friends!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions for June
Awesome tips! It is easy to get lazy! I try to do more outside activities like hiking.
Ivanna recently posted…Portable Workout Equipment Every Fitness Lover Should Own
Its so easy to get lazy, especially when it heats up and becomes harder to keep moving. I try to find motivation in every possible place during the summer.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…15 in 2015 Update
Great information and I LOVE group fitness as well. Boot camps are a fresh way to workout. I totally agree with your list. Thank you! Nic
Yay! All great ideas. A local running store in my area does a monthly “fun run” where there are raffle tickets to be collected at different spots around town and you have an hour to run to as many of those spots as you like and collect them. Then they raffle off prizes at the store. Super fun and I’ve met some awesome people.
Coach Henness recently posted…How to WIN BIG at BlogFest Part 2
Giselle it’s awesome that you included social in your tips to stay fit. Fit-friends make fitness so much fun! Thanks for meeting up to dish the fit 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…10 Ways to Stay Healthy on Vacation
Great tips. I need to find (and embrace) running friends in my new area. 🙂
rachel recently posted…Sweet Treat: Ice-cream Cookie Sandwich
training for a fall marathon keeps me motivated all summer long 🙂
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…May Blog Stats and Income Report
I think I will be training for a marathon which will def be motivating for me this summer!
Toni recently posted…Weekly Workout Wrap-Up, K-Fit 6 Challenge Week 6
I would love to try a bootcamp. I keep hearing about Camp Gladiator in my area. Looks fun.. just havent committed yet!
We love hiking here! It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to really get out and enjoy the challenge of it but now that our kids are getting a bit older, we’re hoping to step foot back on the trails again!
With this Florida heat, I have to wait until dusk to go on bike rides or walk the dog. When I get up to go to the gym at 5am it’s already 80 degrees out. I can completely see how people might opt to just skip the exercising because of the heat.
Lara recently posted…10 Things You Wish You Knew Before Getting Breast Implants: For The Athletic Woman
I have an added workout in the summer of my walks to the farmer’s market and roaming around downtown (weather permitting) during my lunch on Wednesdays.
Cassi recently posted…Weigh in Wednesday 7.1.15