It’s time to get fit for summer, and I’m sharing my fave tips for a fabulous holiday season. Information that will help you navigate the school holidays, avoid holiday injuries, and leave you refreshed.
It’s beginning to sound like the opening of a travel blog. But fear not, Sarum hasn’t changed direction or become a travel agent overnight. Our aim remains to keep you doing the things you love for as long as you want. Whether that be an easier swing on the golf course, beating the grandkids to the freezer for the last ice lolly, or moving more easily.
First, what is fit?
It might be enjoying a summer holiday and taking a break from your fitness regime. Or feeling more confident in a swimsuit. Or perhaps you are a busy mum who is dreading the weeks ahead when the kids will be raiding the cupboards and asking, ‘are we there yet’. Not giving you a moment’s peace.
So, let’s start with what being fit this summer means to you.
- What do you want to do more of while the evenings are longer and you’ve more chance of sunshine?
- Is there something you’d like to take a break from, or is this an opportunity to begin an exercise routine that will be a habit before the temperature drops?
- Do you need boundaries to protect your time and space to do more of what you love with those you love?
- What does good health and well-being look and feel like for you, or rather what could it look like for you?
Fit for summer shouldn’t be creating a survival kit.
Although having a few tools in your back pocket won’t hurt if you don’t want to overindulge on the all-inclusive or if protecting your time is important. Instead, it’s about setting the intention to have a fabulous summer, deciding on your boundaries and red lines, the ones you won’t cross. So, allowing treats, a cocktail or two, but not drinking every day.
This leads me to share my five top tips, and here they are:
- Be conscious about what you eat and drink. Swerve the desserts and skip the creamy cocktails. Think light and fresh, and stay hydrated with water. You don’t need to deny yourself. Instead, moderate.
- Bend your knees when picking up large objects, especially that suitcase. Even better, travel light or lighter because a heavy bag can harm your back, neck, and even arms!
- Burnt to a crisp is not a good look, so by all means, bask in the sun but wear that sun cream to protect you and reduce the effects of ageing. Wear a hat. A lovely wide-brimmed one will also keep the sun off your neck.
- Remember, you don’t have to say yes to everything and everyone. The summer is a wonderful time to recharge, and there is little point in heading off if you are cramming the weeks and days before and after trying to please everyone.
- Work on your core strength and muscles to improve your posture, which will lengthen your spine and see you walking tall and confidently to the pool no matter what you wear.
So, in summary, eat and drink with a little more thought. Think about how you lift and move heavy objects to prevent injury, slap on sun cream and a hat, say no and work on that core!
If being fit means working out and raising your heart rate.
Remember, it’s okay to take a break. Your muscles have an incredible memory and will return to pre-holiday levels in no time. Alternatively, why not use this time to try something new. Perhaps pick up that tennis racquet or swap the treadmill for the beach or forest walks?
If you have a family, the summer holidays can be busy. So, switch your evening run for an early morning jog. Instead of a class or gym session, take the kids swimming, rock pooling or for a cycle. Try incorporating fitness into your daily routine and be okay with it looking slightly different for a few weeks.
And if all else fails…
Book a massage, let us work on those knots, and release any tension you might be holding. Or perhaps the summer is the perfect time to let us help with that niggle, ache or pain you’ve been struggling with. Although we recommend seeking advice and treatment early, we also know how easy it is to put up with something.
Happy summer holidays to you!