Finding the motivation you need to exercise in the summer can be challenging. Of course, you know that you need to get out there, especially if you want to be beach-ready or enjoy that time spent in your swimsuit. But you may also have a hard time getting ready and getting out there — especially as temperatures creep ever higher.
How can you improve your ability to get out there and exercise in the summer heat? Try some of these key strategies.
1. Tackle your workouts early.
Don’t wait until the middle of the day to engage in a summertime workout. If you know you’re going to be engaging in intense cardio — like going for a longer run, for example — try to get out early before the heat starts to climb. It’s a lot easier to motivate yourself when you know that you won’t have to face crushingly hot temperatures the moment you step out the door!
2. Take it indoors.
Many of your favorite workouts, including running and biking, can go indoors to make them easier on the hottest days of summer. This is a great option if you miss your early-morning deadline and have a hard time getting out the door. Instead of forcing yourself to push too hard outside, consider hitting the gym.
Do you know that you regularly want to engage in a workout that is just too hot in the middle of summer? Consider buying the equipment you need — from a stationary bike to a treadmill —and including it as part of your home gym. Then you can get moving even when the heat creeps in on you and you’re having a hard time getting moving.
3. Get the kids involved.
Do you have your kids home for the summer? Consider doing a fun workout with them. They’ll be motivated to encourage you to exercise, even when you aren’t feeling up to it. For example, practice their favorite sports together. Go for bike rides as a family. Get out on local hiking or walking trails over the weekend.
Hearing your kids encourage you to get out and get moving is a powerful motivator, especially on those hard days when you aren’t even sure if you have the internal motivation to exercise in the summer heat.
4. Be accountable to a friend.
Whether you’re trying to kick it up and surpass your previous goals or you just want to make sure that you’re getting out and getting moving (especially after a year when many of us have spent more time indoors, avoiding contact with others), having an accountability partner can go a long way toward providing some motivation on the days when you might not have the push to get there on your own.
There are two key ways to set yourself up for success with an accountability partner. First, get in the habit of checking in and letting your partner know how you’re progressing toward your goals. You’ll be much less likely to skimp on that last mile or to skip your workout altogether when you know you’ll be checking in with someone and letting them know how it went.
The other strategy for maintaining accountability can prove even more beneficial. Plan to meet up with a friend for your summer exercise session. Go for a bike ride, a hike, a run, or even just a walk together. Meet up at the gym and do your workouts together. A good friend can make time flow faster as you exercise in the summer and make you look forward to your workouts more. In turn, that can make it easier for you to find the motivation to get started.
5. Dress for success.
Having the right clothing can make a huge difference for your workout, especially as the summer heat creeps up. Consider what clothing you need to help set you up for success as you head out for your workout.
You might, for example, want to make sure that you’re donning shorts rather than long pants. Choose light-colored fabrics that will help reflect the sun rather than absorb it. Use cooling towels or even cooling clothing designed specifically to help reduce your core body temperature, especially if you know you’re going to be outside for a long time in the heat of the day.
By dressing correctly, you’ll find that you’re in a much better position to enjoy your workouts rather than feeling as though you’re melting throughout the entire thing.
6. Choose a cool, summer-friendly activity.
There are plenty of great exercise opportunities out there that can help set you up for a more successful workout. Consider, for example, going for a swim rather than trying to run in the heat of the day. Find a hiking route that keeps you under the trees or by water.
If you’re struggling in the summer heat, consider toning it down and taking it inside, rather than feeling as though you have to push yourself excessively hard. You may be surprised by what a great workout you can get in a summer-friendly way.
7. Refresh yourself afterward.
Your summer-friendly workouts aren’t just about what you do when you’re in the middle of the workout. They’re also about what you do afterward. Need to cool down and chill out? Drink. Relax. Be Happy. K-Chill offers a variety of product options that can help you relax and settle after you get your sweat on, from K-Chill shots to specific K-Chill Tinctures.
All of these options can leave you feeling relaxed and happier as you ride the endorphin rush that comes after a great sweat session. Make sure you hydrate well, leave plenty of time to cool down before you head back out into the summer heat, and, of course, allow yourself adequate recovery time after any major workout.
Are you looking for ways to chill out, relax, and feel your best after a hard summer workout? K-Chill can help. Check out our website to learn more about our great products and their benefits, including how they can help you post-workout in the middle of the summer
