June 16, 2023

A Summer Fitness Refresh: Top Tips for Staying in Shape

By Mirjana Dobric

Summer is here, and you're ready to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. After months of hibernating indoors, the allure of blue skies, sunshine, and fresh air is impossible to resist. It's time to break free from the confines of four walls and embark on a summer fitness refresh that will invigorate your mind, body, and soul.

Let's face it, as much as we appreciate the convenience of indoor workouts, the monotony can get the best of us. The repetitive routines and limited scenery can quickly become uninspiring, leaving us yearning for something new and exciting.

But fear not, because this summer is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the great outdoors, and redefining your fitness journey. It's time to turn the page and discover the joy of exercise in nature, where every workout becomes an adventure and every breath fills you with renewed vitality.

So, lace up your sneakers, grab your water bottle, and join us as we explore the myriad ways to infuse your fitness routine with a breath of fresh air. Get ready to revive your senses, rejuvenate your body, and make this summer your fittest one yet!

Importance of Refreshing Your Fitness Routine

Sticking to the same fitness routine for an extended period can lead to boredom, plateaus, and decreased motivation. By refreshing your fitness routine, you introduce new exercises, activities, and challenges that keep your body and mind engaged. Not only does this break the monotony, but it also helps you avoid hitting a performance plateau. Additionally, a refreshed routine can target different muscle groups, improve overall fitness, and prevent overuse injuries.

Why Staying Active During the Summer Matters

Summer is here, but that doesn't mean your fitness routine has to slip. In fact, staying active during the warmer months is key to feeling your best. Here are a few reasons why:

  • You'll have more energy. Exercise increases your stamina and endurance, giving you the boost you need to make the most of long summer days.
  • You'll sleep better. Working out helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep at night. And we all know how much better summer is with a solid eight hours of shut-eye!
  • You'll be ready for spontaneous adventures. Whether it's an impromptu beach volleyball game or a hiking trip, staying in shape means you can say yes to any opportunity for summer fun.
  • You'll feel more confident. Exercise releases feel-good hormones that improve your mood and self-esteem. Head to the pool or beach with confidence, knowing you've been putting in the effort to be your best self.

Moreover, being outdoors exposes you to sunlight, promoting vitamin D synthesis and supporting bone health. So, take advantage of the summer season and make the most of your fitness routine.

How You Can Refresh Your Summer Fitness Routine

There are many ways in which you can refresh your fitness routine, but our favorites include:

Shake Up Your Cardio Routine

Summer is the perfect time to take your cardio workout outside. Go for a jog, power walk, or bike ride to enjoy the nice weather and change of scenery. If the heat is too intense, try water aerobics or swimming laps at your local pool or lake. Aqua jogging, water walking, and water aerobics provide an effective cardio workout without the impact on your joints. Changing your surroundings can make cardio workouts more enjoyable and invigorating.

Strength Train Outdoors

Why be cooped up in a gym when you can get in a great strength workout outside? Pack a yoga mat, resistance bands, and a few dumbbells, and head out. Take advantage of outdoor spaces like parks or your backyard to perform bodyweight exercises, resistance band workouts, or circuit training. If you don’t want to carry any equipment, you can utilize park benches, tree branches, or playground equipment to add variety and intensity to your strength training routine.

Try Outdoor Yoga or Pilates

Roll out your yoga mat in your backyard or a scenic park and enjoy an outdoor yoga or Pilates session. The fresh air and natural surroundings will enhance your practice. Look for an outdoor yoga or Pilates class in your area, or follow along with a video on your phone or tablet. The serene environment and connection with nature can enhance your mind-body experience, allowing you to reap the benefits of increased flexibility, improved core strength, and reduced stress. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear proper attire, grippy socks, or bare feet for the surface you'll be on. 

Go for Summer Hikes

Lace up your hiking boots and hit a trail at a local nature preserve or state park. Hiking provides an excellent full-body workout and a chance to enjoy summer's natural beauty. Start with easy trails and build up your endurance over time. Look for trails with scenic overlooks, and be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, bug spray, a fully charged phone, and a map of the trail. And, of course, don’t forget appropriate footwear!

Get in the Water! (Swim or Do Aqua Aerobics)

Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that helps build strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. If you have access to a pool or live near the ocean, take advantage of the water to swim laps or participate in water aerobics classes. These low-impact activities are gentle on the joints while providing a refreshing and invigorating workout.

Become a Part of a Lagree Community

Consider joining a Lagree fitness community if you're looking for a challenging and effective workout. Lagree is a high-intensity, low-impact workout method that combines strength, cardio, and flexibility training using specialized equipment. Many Lagree studios offer outdoor classes during the summer, providing a unique and engaging fitness experience.

Why Lagree Is a Great Summer Workout Routine

Lagree workouts are perfect for summer due to their intense calorie burn and muscle-toning benefits. The low-impact nature of Lagree exercises reduces stress on the joints while targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

This workout method improves core strength, balance, endurance, and overall body composition. Moreover, Lagree classes often incorporate upbeat music and motivational instructors, making them fun and energizing.

Low Impact, High Intensity

As we mentioned, Lagree is a low-impact workout that provides high-intensity results. It's easy on your joints since the exercises are done on a customized Pilates reformer machine. The spring-loaded platform provides resistance without the impact of weights. This makes Lagree an ideal summer workout – you'll get an intense full-body burn without the stress on your body.

Efficient and Effective

A Lagree session is only 40 minutes but provides the benefits of a much longer workout. The slow, controlled movements target your muscles in a very focused way. You'll feel the burn in places you didn't even know you had muscles! Lagree also incorporates elements of cardio, strength training, and flexibility in each session. This combination of benefits means you can cross-train your entire body in a short amount of time.

Low Commitment, High Reward

The Lagree method was designed, so you only need to do it 2–3 times a week to see results. This makes it perfect for busy summer schedules when your time is limited. Even though the time commitment is low, the rewards are high. You can expect to gain strength, improve your flexibility and balance, build lean muscle, and even lose weight. The efficiency of Lagree means you'll get a lot out of each session and start seeing changes in your body and fitness level within a few weeks.

A Studio for Everyone

The Lagree Fit 415 Studio provides a welcoming environment for people of all fitness levels. The instructors are highly trained to offer modifications to any ability. If you're looking for an effective full-body workout this summer that will challenge you and help you reach your goals, Lagree Fit 415 Studio is a great place to start.

Great for Your Beach Body

Lagree is a fantastic workout for sculpting and toning your beach body. The unique combination of strength training and cardio exercises makes it highly effective in targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously, helping you achieve a lean and toned physique.

The Megaformer engages the core muscles, improving stability and posture, while also challenging the arms, legs, and glutes. With the emphasis on controlled movements and slow transitions, Lagree helps build long, lean muscles while improving flexibility and balance. Whether you're looking to rock that bikini or show off a chiseled physique by the beach, Lagree fitness provides an efficient and dynamic workout to help you achieve your beach body goals.

Summer Workout Tips

The heat and humidity can zap your energy, but with some simple tips, you can stay in shape all season long.

Eat Fresh, Light, and Hydrating Foods

Choose foods that are cooling and hydrating, like fresh fruits and salads. Some perfect options include watermelon, cucumber, leafy green salads, and gazpacho. Limit heavy, spicy, or fried foods which can make you feel sluggish in the heat.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to avoid dehydration. Aim for 6–8 glasses a day. Coconut water, fruit-infused water, and low-sugar sports drinks are great options. Staying hydrated will keep you energized for your workouts and help your body function properly.

Don’t Forget the SPF

Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, especially if exercising outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, skin damage, and heat-related illness. Wear a hat and UV-protective clothing when possible.

Wear Breathable Clothing

Light, loose, moisture-wicking clothing will keep you most comfortable for summer workouts. Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton are best. For outdoor exercise, lightweight and light-colored clothing is ideal. After finishing your workout, change out of wet clothes and shoes as soon as possible to avoid discomfort and potential infections.

Don’t Work Out During the Heat

During the hottest summer months, consider switching to indoor workouts or exercising during cooler times of the day, like early morning or evening. If you work out outside, take it easier by decreasing intensity and duration. Take breaks when needed and listen to your body.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a few easy tips to refresh your fitness routine this summer and stay in shape. The heat is no excuse to slack off — get outside for walks or jogs, try a new workout like Lagree, stay hydrated, and eat light, healthy meals. Summer only comes around once a year, so make the most of it and have fun being active.

Don't forget to stretch, strengthen your core, and switch up your workouts to avoid plateaus. Keep putting in the effort, and you'll be feeling refreshed and recharged in no time. Now get out there and enjoy the sun while working on your fitness, you've got this! Staying motivated and consistent is key. Keep up the great work, and happy summer! Refresh your summer with Lagree!

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