Summer; one of the most enjoyed seasons of the year, but also one of the busiest. With weekend getaways and outdoor activities in the hottest of temperatures, it is so tempting to forget about our health and just kick back pool side with an ice cold beverage. If you’re keen on skipping out on your fitness regimen for the season, here are a few reasons why you may want to re-pack your gym bag.

1. We all know it can take many months, even years, to lose some pesky pounds or to gain some muscle, but experts say it typically only takes 2 to 3 weeks to lose strength and even faster to lose your conditioning after stopping your routine. There are, however, some great physical and mental health benefits to temporarily stopping your routine if you are, for example, headed abroad for your two week honeymoon. When you return, try not to unpack your gym bag for the rest of the summer. The faster you get back to your routine, the more malleable your strength and power can actually be.

2. Consistency is ? to your success. Instead of panicking that you’ll miss 3 days at the gym every week because your time is filled with trips to the cottage and beach visits, think about prioritizing the days you DO HAVE at the gym. Research shows that even smaller and shorter fitness routines are effective enough to keep you on course. With more intention, and focus on the days you do have at the gym, you can actually still stay on track.

3. Sometimes summer can be overwhelming. The hectic kid’s schedule along with the endless calendar of social events is enough to stir up some anxiety and stress. Getting in some exercise can help lengthen and deepen your sleep as well as increase those endorphins to improve your mood and decrease stress on the days you need it the most.

Fitness is a way of life, whatever the weather, whatever the season. Let’s use the time we have together and keep those goals in reach ??