Why You Shouldn't Take a Summer Break from the Gym!
As the days get longer and the temperature rises, it's tempting to swap gym sessions for lounging by the beach or enjoying leisurely summer activities. While taking time to relax and enjoy the season is important, completely pausing your exercise routine could have several drawbacks. Here’s why staying consistent with your gym workouts during the summer is beneficial for your body and mind.
1. Maintaining Your Progress
You’ve spent months building strength, endurance, and muscle tone. Taking a significant break can lead to detraining, where your fitness levels regress. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, aerobic capacity and strength can start to decline after just two weeks of inactivity. The hard-earned gains from your workouts could be lost, making it harder to get back to your peak performance when you return.
2. Combatting Summer Weight Gain
Summer is often associated with barbecues, vacations, and indulgent treats. Without regular exercise, the extra calories from these seasonal delights can lead to unwanted weight gain. By continuing your gym routine, you can balance out those occasional indulgences and maintain a healthy weight.
3. Improving Mental Health
Exercise is a proven stress reliever and mood enhancer. The endorphins released during workouts can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and even depression. Summer brings its own set of stresses, from managing children’s schedules to vacation planning. Keeping up with your exercise routine can provide a much-needed mental health boost and help you stay centered.
5. Keeping a Routine
Summer often means a change in routine, with kids out of school and vacations disrupting normal schedules. Having a consistent gym routine helps maintain a sense of structure. It’s easier to transition back to your regular schedule in the fall if you’ve kept up your exercise habits throughout the summer.
6. Exploring New Workouts
The gym often provides opportunities to try new classes or exercises. Summer is a great time to mix up your routine and explore different types of workouts that you might not have time for during the rest of the year. From yoga to bootcamp classes at RTB, experimenting with new activities can keep your workouts exciting and fresh.
7. Preparing for Seasonal Activities
Staying active in the gym can enhance your performance in seasonal activities like swimming, hiking, or GAA. Strength training can improve your power and endurance, while cardio workouts can boost your stamina. A well-rounded fitness routine in the gym can help you enjoy these summer pastimes even more.
8. Setting a Positive Example
If you have children, maintaining your gym routine during the summer sets a great example for them about the importance of regular exercise. It shows that staying active is a priority, regardless of the season, and encourages them to develop their own healthy habits.
Tips for Staying Motivated
Set Summer Goals: Establish specific fitness goals for the summer, whether it's maintaining your current fitness level, losing weight, or mastering a new skill.
Adjust Your Schedule: If your summer schedule is different, find a time for the gym that works best, whether it's early morning or late evening when the gym is less crowded.
Find a Workout Buddy: Having a friend to work out with can increase accountability and make your gym sessions more enjoyable.
Stay Hydrated and Cool: Drink plenty of water and wear lightweight, breathable clothing to stay comfortable during your workouts.
Summer is a season of fun and relaxation, but it’s also an important time to keep up with your fitness routine. Regular gym sessions help maintain your progress, manage weight, boost mental health, and provide a safe environment to exercise away from the heat. By staying active, you can enjoy all the pleasures of summer while continuing to prioritize your health and fitness.