We’re in the height of summer, and you know what that means: beach days, water sports, flowy sundresses….and backyard barbecues, ice cream runs, and a slower-paced routine that makes it oh-so-tricky to stick to your typical fitness regimen.

So, what’s the key to staying in shape during summertime? Here are four of our favorite ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle while making the most of the best months of the year.

FIND FUN WAYS TO STAY HYDRATED

You’ve heard it a million times. Drinking water is one of the best ways to flush toxins, stay satiated, and keep your body functioning at its best. But this is even more important during the summer, when soaring temperatures heat up your body and cause you to sweat more (especially if you’re hitting the gym on the regular).

So, tell me—are you getting your eight glasses of H20 every day?

If you have trouble downing your recommended water dosage regularly, try staying hydrated in a fun new way. Grab a water bottle that tracks your ounces, throw a handful of frozen fruit or fresh herbs in your tumbler, or stock up on other hydrating liquids: unsweetened iced tea, coconut water, kombucha, or cold-pressed juice.

EXERCISE WITH FRIENDS

Summer is full of excuses to hang out with friends, whether you’re at the soccer field with your kids, spending a lazy Saturday poolside, or grabbing drinks on the patio.

It’s time to add another activity to your social calendar: exercise.

Exercising with a partner is one of the best ways to work out consistently and stay on top of your fitness goals. You get added accountability, extra encouragement, and a chance to catch up with a friend.

So, schedule a workout date with one of your pals—you can rent kayaks at the beach, sneak in a morning run before the afternoon heat hits, or come in to Fit Factory for one of our high-energy group fitness classes.

EAT THE RAINBOW

August is the perfect time to take advantage of all of the in-season produce hitting your local farmer’s markets and grocery stores. There’s no better time to get your greens in, stock up on nutrient-packed veggies, and try new recipes (especially ones that don’t involve turning on your oven).

If you don’t know where to start, here are a few of our favorite ways to sneak some extra veggies into every meal:

1. Add a handful of green, leafy veggies to your morning smoothie—kale, spinach, and arugula are all great options.

2. Top a slice of toast with goat cheese, sliced heirloom tomatoes, chopped basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Make a crunchy, healthy wrap with sliced turkey, lettuce, red cabbage, shredded carrots, julienned bell pepper, a handful of sprouts, and a spread of hummus.  

4. Next time you’re grilling burgers, add a few spears of asparagus to your grill top during the last few minutes of cooking time for the perfect side dish.

TRY A NEW FITNESS ACTIVITY

It’s easy to get into a fitness rut during the school year, so summer is the perfect time to try something new. Not only will you challenge your body in new ways (forcing it to adapt and burn even more calories than usual), but you might also discover a different workout passion!

There are tons of unique outdoor activities that are available during the summer—from biking or running, to hiking or paddleboarding.

We’d also love to welcome you at Fit Factory for one of our group fitness classes. There are options for every fitness level and personality, and you can always talk with one of our personal trainers to see which option is right for you. Slim down with Fit Factory Barre, rev up your heart rate with Fit Cycle, or build confidence with Kickboxing and Abs.

Check out the rest of our group fitness options here.

Here’s to a healthy, vibrant summer!