With the summer holidays approaching, I thought I would share some tips to help you stay active over the long break. Many people stop their fitness classes and exercise habits for 6 weeks and then struggle to get going again. Missing one week very quickly becomes a month, which becomes months.
Your body doesn’t stop needing movement just because the kids are off school. And whilst down time and some rest and relaxation are super important, it is also important to keep nourishing your body with good food, friends and regular movement/ exercise.
I tried to create a funky acronym but all I managed was S.P.A.M.M.!
> Set Expectations
When looking at the summer holidays, you should expect for there to be some disruption in your regular routine. If you have children, it is likely you will having some time off from work to spend with your family. Life is for living so enjoy these moments and holidays together.
Make a choice; some holidays I still go to the gym and train, my most recent holiday I didn’t nothing but swim in the sea, walk and relax. It’s important to be aware of what your body needs.
> Plan your week
On a Sunday evening, look at your week ahead and plan in your active times; when will you exercise? This can also help to alleviate some guilt if you aren’t able to do what you usually do; just change when you are active and enjoy the plans you have in your calendar.
> Adapt
If your routine changes, adapt, find ways to sustain your current level of activity. Maybe you can get up 30 minutes before everyone else and do a quick workout, there are plenty of online videos which could help. If you can’t get to your usual class time, pick a different day/ class.
> Make meet-ups active
Look at ways to make social activities more active, when meeting a friend for a coffee, have it to go and go for a walk. You could play games with friends such as rounders, cricket, tennis, dodgeball, dance to music all sorts which get your steps up and are super fun!
> Mindset
The summer holidays are 12-13% of your year, so its important that you don’t use them as an excuse to stop taking care of your health, fitness and wellbeing.
Rather than focussing on what you are unable to do, focus your mindset on what you can do and find ways to do something; something is always better than nothing.
Accept that if you are unable to sustain your usual routine, you are unlikely to get the same results as usual from your training/ exercise.
During the summer holidays it is easy to get out of routine, but commit to maintaining your health and fitness and make self-care a priority.
The Final 'T'
My number one fitness tip is to enjoy whatever you choose to do, something you miss when you are on holiday! Life is for living and it is a constant balancing act. Being aware of when you need to rest is just as important and realising you need to make choices to be more active.
Hopefully these tips will help you to stay active this summer and keep achieving your health and fitness goals.
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