How to stay motivated this summer: 5 ways to increase sweat equity success

Nothing completely throws off your sense of routine and ‘normalcy’ like the summer. And everyone else’s needs move to the front of the line, making your wants fall to the wayside. It doesn’t take much for your routine to take a hiatus until September. Staying active during the summer months can be a challenge when you have kids at home and are vacationing or traveling. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can alter your fitness routine to ensure you continue exercising.Here are our top 5 ways to maintain your sweat equity this summer.

1. Opt in to a challenge to keep up the momentum. Our Summer Solstice challenge is about to kick off June 1. The goal is simply to take as many classes as your can for 3 weeks, with a challenge celebration culminating on the summer solstice (06/21). The great thing about studio challenges is the additional momentum, the intentionality and accountability, and the energy of a full studio! If you’re a current member, inquire about upgrading your current package to unlimited during the Challenge. Check with your local studio for some fun incentives, like class intensives, and outdoor barre workout, or fun, themed playlists, too!
2. Cut down the class time. Most of us feel strapped for self-care time over the summer. Accept that your routine may not be the same as during the rest of the year, and that’s okay. Find a way to acclimate to the unpredictability of the summer schedule and make it work for you. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable to the changing circumstances. Consider trying a more condensed class format, like barre30, barreHIIT, barreStrength, or an intensive. Even taking 30 minutes of a 40 or 50 minute class is still an achievement and worthwhile.
3. Make it a family affair. The summer is a great time to get the whole family involved. Some of us have kids out of school at home, and others may have siblings or older children living back at home just for the summer. Maybe your partner’s work schedule fluctuates over the summer. Bring a barre buddy to class and get them involved. Generally, youth ages 13 and older can attend most barre classes (it’s important to inquire with your local studio first about waivers and attendance policies). And some nb studios also offer child care services on-site. If you’re the parent of multiple children, remember that you want to reserve a spot for each child. And again check with your local studio to see if there may be some leeway in older children hanging out in the lobby on-site.
4. Get outside. When on vacation, consider renting bicycles and explore the area, go hiking or kayaking, or try out water sports like paddle boarding or surfing. Not only will you have fun, but you’ll also stay active while exploring new places. Some fun ways to get in movement at home could be to play sports together, go for family walks or runs, or even create obstacle courses in your backyard or at the park. Even simple, small changes like parking farther away when running errands or taking a quick walk post-dinner can make a difference in your physical fitness. It’s typically hottest from 10 am to 4 pm so try to avoid exercise outdoors during these hours when possible. When you do, drink water before, during, and after your workouts to maintain hydration levels with the extra heat.
5. Modify your workout schedule. Adjust your exercise routine to fit your summer schedule. If you’re traveling or on vacation, plan shorter, high-intensity workouts that can be completed in limited time. Plan ahead and review if your hotel or Airbnb has gym or studio facilities. NB workouts can be completed with little-to-no equipment. You can pack your Bala bangles or use light free weights from the gym and complete a condensed HIIT, Strength or barre workout. Remember there is a livestream schedule with a daily recorded option to take on-demand, too. Consider waking up earlier or fitting in exercise during the evenings. This may be more conducive to when children are still sleeping or when a partner is at home to help with child care. It’s also a great time to take advantage of the longer hours of light, if you traditionally aren’t an early riser, or don’t like to workout in the evening. We tend to adjust our sleep schedule based on the season’s natural circadian rhythm and your workouts can also flow with the potential adjustment of your sleep schedule. If you traditionally are unavailable on the weekends due to kid’s practices and games, the summer may be a good time to fit in a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon workout.