Summer is a great time to get in shape

June 17, 2011

Are you looking forward to a summer holiday - but worried about how you'll look in your bikini? Or perhaps you're finding it a bit of a squeeze getting into a summer dress for a wedding. The chances are you made a New Year's resolution to get fit in 2011 but now you're running out of time.

Whatever the reasons for your keep-fit campaign, this is the right time of year to go for it. With the longer summer days and warmer temperatures you will be feeling more energetic. Many people also benefit from a more positive outlook during the warmer months of the year.

That's why summer is the prime time for kick-starting a get-fit regime.

Where people can go wrong

People often resolve to get fit at the new year, when it's psychologically the most challenging season to get motivated because of cold and dark mornings and evenings.

Instead, on brighter, lighter days, it's so much more of a pleasure to be out and more active.

Why summer is a better time to get fit and healthy

Being outdoors, whether walking, running or cycling, is much more likely to make you feel up-beat and healthy. That's why I recommend you head outdoors as much as possible, rather than going along to the gym.

Of course there will be rainy days when the gym is a great option, but during the summer it's much better to get outdoors as frequently as possible.

How to get fit in summer

Running is one of the best ways to shed the pounds and also helps to tone muscles all over the body. A person weighing 10 stone will burn between 200 and 300 calories during 30 minutes of running, depending on their speed.

Leg and bum muscles have the best workout but running also works on core muscles, such as the stomach and back, and benefits the arms and shoulders.

You don't need to be a fast runner because jogging is still beneficial to your health. Aim to slowly build up the length of time that you jog or run and you'll soon see the benefits in the mirror and on the scales.

Cycling is another great option and offers the chance to see new areas of the country. On a bike you are getting fit and taking in the scenery at the same time. Choose off-road routes (check out Sustrans) if oyu are not so confident on a bike.

Cycling at a speed of between 12 and 14mph the average person can burn up to 500 calories. This form of exercise is a great leg and bum toner, too.

Benefits of summer fitness

Summer offers an advantage for injury-prone exercisers, too. The muscles used for running will be warmer from the start of your outing, which means tears and stretches are less likely.

And in practical terms, the months of summer provide a much greater window of opportunity for runners. Light early mornings and longer and brighter evenings mean there are more hours each day in which to head out for a jog or bike ride.

Another noticeable difference during summer is that people are more sociable, as the warmer weather brings more people out of doors with a smile on their face.

Encouraging a friend to go out for jog or ride will easier at this time of year.

And because running in the sun is far more enjoyable than running in the rain/snow/wind, there's a greater chance you'll stick at it.

If you are looking for help with motivation or some one-to-one advice about fitness, sports and life coaching please do get in touch.