It’s easy to see why summer is a favorite season for many. It’s a time of warmer temperatures, outdoor adventures, vacations, and more. One of my favorite things is when the days get longer, and the sun sets later. It’s all about sunshine and fun.
But it’s easy to veer off-course when we're having fun and let our good habits go out the window. That’s why it’s essential to lock in a summer workout routine. You can have fun and enjoy yourself without the guilt while still feeling great and at your best.
Your overall health extends beyond fitness—it’s about your lifestyle choices. Pairing great nutrition with a dynamic workout like Lagree sets you up to make the most of this fiery season.
In the spirit of summer, let’s make a splash, and dive into the Lagree summer lifestyle.
Embracing a Healthy Summer Lifestyle
Embrace what’s good for you—from fun and joy to healthy choices. Here are five ways you can create a healthy summer lifestyle:
1. Outdoor Workouts:
- Take advantage of the warm weather by adding outdoor physical activities to your summer workout routine. Whether it’s jogging, cycling, swimming, or hiking, being in nature can boost your mood and overall well-being.
- Consider joining outdoor fitness classes or boot camps. Many communities offer free or low-cost sessions in local parks. If you’re lucky, sometimes your favorite studio even has special outdoor sessions when the weather warms up.
2. Sun Safety:
- While sunlight is essential for vitamin D production, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is vital. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors. And make sure to reapply as directed on your sunscreen bottle.
- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV radiation; a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect your face and neck.
- If the temperature becomes too hot, limit your time outdoors. Heat exhaustion is a real thing and can be very dangerous.
3. Stay Hydrated:
- While hydration is important all year long, it’s even more crucial during hot summer days. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily.
- Try infusing your water with lemon, cucumber, or mint for added flavor and antioxidants.
4. Mindful Eating:
- Summer often brings social gatherings and barbecues. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and paying attention to hunger cues. You can enjoy yourself without overindulging. The button on your jeans will thank you for it later.
- Opt for lighter meals during the day and save indulgent treats for special occasions.
5. Prioritize Sleep:
- Longer daylight hours can sometimes disrupt our sleep patterns. Set up a relaxing bedtime routine and try to get 7-9 hours of good sleep each night.
Remember that a healthy summer lifestyle is about balance. Listen to your body, stay active, nourish yourself with wholesome foods, and enjoy the season to the fullest!
Lagree Fitness Fundamentals for Summer
Once you’ve embraced the Lagree summer lifestyle, next you’ll want to review some fitness fundamentals. No matter how experienced you are, sometimes going back to the basics can be surprisingly helpful.
- Lagree Fitness is a high-intensity, low-impact workout that combines strength training, cardio, and flexibility. It’s perfect for summer because it torches calories, sculpts lean muscles, and improves endurance without putting excessive strain on joints.
- Try Lagree classes outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces. The fresh air and natural surroundings enhance your workout experience.
- Focus on full-body movements, engaging your core, legs, and arms. Incorporate exercises like planks, lunges, and squats.
- Remember to hydrate adequately during and after your Lagree sessions.
Nutrition Tips for a Balanced Summer Diet
We briefly talked about hydration and mindful eating as some of the ways to embrace a healthy lifestyle this summer. But let’s further explore the benefits of hydration and balanced nutrition and why they’re vital to your health.
Staying Hydrated and Energized
Eight cups of water a day should be the bare minimum during summer. You'll most likely want to increase this number depending on how active you are and how much time you spend outdoors.
Why is water so important? H2O is critical to every cell, tissue, and organ in the human body. It makes up about 50-70% of body weight. When your body doesn’t have enough water to perform normal functions, that’s when dehydration occurs.
Here are some of the ways water plays an essential role in our overall health:
- Regulates body temperature
- Flushes waste from your system
- Lubricates and cushions joints
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Improves memory, mood, alertness, and sleep quality
- Supports a healthy immune system
When we sweat, our body releases fluids, which we need to replace by drinking water. Because the temperature rises in summer, we’re more likely to sweat more often, especially if we're basking in the sun.
Workouts such as Lagree also make you break a sweat, which is why it’s necessary to hydrate before, during, and after a class.
Not only does staying adequately hydrated prevent negative effects, but it also enhances your energy levels. Making smart choices about what you consume helps as well. Include electrolyte-rich foods like watermelon, coconut water, and oranges that can help quench your thirst. Opting for light, energy-boosting snacks, such as Greek yogurt with berries or a handful of almonds, is also a wise choice.
Seasonal Fruits and Veggies: Your Summer Superfood
Seasonal eating is a wonderful way to keep your diet exciting. Explore local farmers’ markets and enjoy the bounty of summer produce, such as berries, peaches, and cherries, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Load up on leafy greens, tomatoes, and bell peppers for a nutrient-packed salad. For a delicious side dish, try grilling zucchini, eggplant, or corn.
If you’re like me, you may have to get creative to make sure you’re getting enough vegetables in your diet. I love fruit, but veggies—not so much. The solution? I drink my greens and mix them with fruits!
My daily green smoothie is my go-to. And, if I’m really pressed for time, I add protein powder to it, and voilà! The smoothie turns into a meal replacement and keeps me feeling full longer.
Juicing is another great alternative, and cucumbers and celery are great for making green juices. Of course, you can always opt to buy pre-made juices and smoothies, but just make sure they don’t have added sugars.
Let’s talk about dessert now. As someone who has a self-declared sweet tooth, I can’t not address my favorite part of the meal. And who doesn’t enjoy a decadent ice cream cone, especially when it’s hot outside? It’s the perfect cool summer treat. But it also comes with an abundance of extra calories.
Instead, try enjoying watermelon slices as a refreshing dessert to top off your meal and you’ll be getting nutrients while also hydrating at the same time. It’s perfectly alright to treat yourself from time to time to that ice cream cone as well.
Balancing Lagree and Nutrition for Optimal Health
When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to consider physical fitness and your overall health and wellbeing. That’s why balancing Lagree with smart nutrition choices is a game changer for achieving optimal health.
Keeping the balance between fitness and nutrition might seem like a lot to handle at times. Here are a few tips to help you think about this balance differently so that you can conquer it.
- Pair your workouts with wholesome meals. For every Lagree class you schedule, plan a meal that prioritizes lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Think of food as fuel. What’s going to help you make the most of your workout? Avoiding heavy, greasy foods is wise because they can weigh you down.
- Plan your meals around your workout schedule. Have a light snack before exercising and a balanced meal afterward. Consider nutrition choices both before and after your workout.
- Listen to your body. Fuel it with nourishing foods to support muscle recovery and overall vitality.
Conclusion
It’s not too late to elevate your well-being by embracing the Lagree summer lifestyle this season. Sign up for your first class and improve your fitness while nourishing your body with seasonal delights. Whether you’re sweating it out in a Lagree class or savoring a juicy peach, prioritize health and happiness. Cheers to a vibrant and active summer!
