Summer is the season of sunshine, cookouts, vacations, and (if we’re lucky) a slower pace of life. With kids out of school and long weekends ahead, many of us take time off work, stay up late, sleep in, and enjoy a bit more freedom. And while rest and fun are good things, it’s also easy to let your fitness routine slide during this more relaxing season.
But here’s the truth: summer is actually a great time to stay consistent with your workouts—and maybe even build some healthy habits that stick.
Here are 5 reasons to keep moving this summer:
1. You’ll Have More Energy for Summer Fun
When you’re active, your body produces more endorphins (those feel-good chemicals). Regular workouts give you more energy, help your body recover faster after long days outside, and even improve your mood. Instead of feeling sluggish after a day at the beach or out in the sun, you’ll bounce back faster—and enjoy the season more fully.
2. It Helps You Stay on Track With Your Goals
If you’ve been working hard on your fitness or nutrition goals, you don’t want to lose momentum just because the schedule feels loose. You don’t have to go all-out every day, but doing something most days of the week helps maintain your progress and makes it easier to ramp things up again in the fall.
Even a short workout helps you feel successful and keeps your routine alive.
3. Summer Schedules Can Be More Flexible
For many people, summer means later starts in the morning or a little extra time in the evening. Use that flexibility to your advantage! Maybe now you can squeeze in a mid-morning walk, take your workouts outside, or try something new like swimming or paddleboarding.
Fitness doesn’t always have to happen in the gym. Movement is movement. Take advantage of long days and fresh air!
4. Staying Fit Helps You Travel Better
Whether you’re flying across the country or taking a weekend road trip, being in shape makes traveling easier. Long walks through airports or sightseeing all day? Hiking to see a waterfall? Playing with your kids at the lake? Those things all take energy and strength.
The more fit you are, the more you’ll enjoy those experiences and the less likely you’ll get sidelined by soreness or exhaustion.
5. You’ll Feel Better in Your Body
There’s no shame in wanting to feel confident in your swimsuit or sleeveless top. Exercise helps your muscles stay strong and defined, keeps your posture tall, and helps your metabolism stay active. More importantly, working out helps you feel good in your own skin: strong, capable, and proud of what your body can do.
What If I’m Traveling? Try These Travel Workouts You Can Do Anywhere:
Whether you’re in a hotel room, at a beach house, or visiting family, you don’t need a gym to stay active. All you need is a little space and your own body.
Here are 3 quick workouts that take 15–20 minutes and don’t need any equipment:
Workout #1: 10-Minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible)
Set a timer for 10 minutes. Repeat the list below as many times as you can.
- 10 air squats
- 10 push-ups (can be from knees or to a bench)
- 10 sit-ups
- 10 walking lunges (5 each leg)
- 10 jumping jacks
Workout #2: 20-Minute Interval Workout
Alternate between 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds of rest for each movement. Repeat the full circuit 4 times.
- High knees
- Glute bridges
- Shoulder taps (in a plank position)
- Air squats
- Burpees
Workout #3: 15-Minute Walk + Core Finisher
Take a brisk walk (or jog) for 10–15 minutes, then complete 3 rounds of:
- 20 bicycle crunches
- 15 leg lifts
- 30-second forearm plank
- 20 mountain climbers
No excuses—even if you’re at Grandma’s house, there’s probably a floor you can lie on!
Tips for Staying Fit All Summer:
- Pack your workout clothes. If you’re traveling, include sneakers, a sports bra, and some workout shorts. If you don’t bring it, you won’t use it.
- Make it social. Invite your spouse or kids to do a short workout with you. Or take a long walk while catching up with a friend.
- Set a summer challenge. Give yourself a goal like walking 100 miles this summer, trying 20 different workouts, or doing 10 push-ups a day.
- Don’t aim for perfect. A 15-minute workout is better than skipping it altogether. Keep it simple and just move.
Summer is meant to be enjoyed and that includes feeling strong, healthy, and full of energy. You don’t have to train like a pro athlete or follow a strict plan to stay fit during the summer months. Just move your body most days, be consistent (even if your workouts are shorter), and give yourself grace.
Your fall self will thank you.
Need help staying on track this summer? Whether you’re home all season or bouncing between trips, we can help you stay consistent, strong, and motivated. Book a free intro session with us at CrossFit Dwell and we’ll talk about your goals, schedule, and the best plan to keep you moving all summer long. Let’s build something that works for you.