Summer is a notoriously tricky time for maintaining any sort of routine. If we’re lucky, the sun comes out, we go away on holiday, catch up with friends and make the most of those lighter evenings. And, hey, guess what? While your fitness levels might be impacted by these changes, these lifestyle adjustments are actually key to an holistic approach to overall wellbeing.
However, if keeping fit is a priority over the summer, you’ve just got to shift perspective and make it work around your summer lifestyle.
Find a movement you enjoy
If you’re seeing exercise as a chore, then you’re never going to want to do it. Simple as that. Find what works for you – it might be a high intensity cardio workout that really gets your heart pumping, a boxing class that allows you to take out some of the frustration of the day on a punching bag, or even a yoga/pilates style class that encourages the zen you may need to decompress.
Mix up your training styles
Someone once said, variety is the spice of life… and they were right. Once you’ve found a couple of exercise styles that work for you, be sure to alternate them. This will help to increase your fitness levels in different ways – whether it’s cardiovascular endurance, strength, or flexibility for example. You’re also less likely to get bored and reach a plateau where you question why you even started in the first place!
Music is a major motivator
Mood-boost your body by moving or stretching to a song that encourages you to feel emotions that you may need to release at the beginning or end of a busy day. Got tightly scheduled meetings? Play joyful pop songs or something soulful in the morning to help you feel a little lighter. About to hit a big pitch? Ramp up your energy levels with some EDM and try to inhale/exhale to an emotional ballad to unwind at the end of the day.
Make it work for you
If you’re working in The City, it’s likely you’re quite time poor. If attending a class at a set time creates too much stress for you because of deadlines, or last-minute requests from a client, look into an online, on-demand option. These can be squeezed in around your schedule and offer you a bit more flexibility. This sort of exercise can also be done first-thing before you leave for work, and you can rest easy knowing you’ve moved your body for the day!
Kimberlee Perry is the CEO of Bouncefitbody
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
