Get Ready for Summer

This is a collaborative post

As the days grow longer and holiday plans begin to take shape, it’s time to think about how you want your summer to look. You might picture yourself walking along the coast or enjoying a city break – and feeling healthy and energised as you do it. 

If you’ve booked your summer holiday and want to focus on your fitness and wellbeing in the days leading up to your big getaway, here are some ideas to help you make consistent choices that fit naturally into your routine.

Building an effective exercise routine

If you’re planning an active holiday, whether you’re exploring by foot or cycling around an island, it’s worth building fitness levels beforehand.

Finding an activity that genuinely brings you joy is the secret to a consistent fitness habit. Recent data from Sport England highlights that outdoor activities like social running clubs and park workouts are soaring in popularity across the UK.

You don’t need an expensive gym membership to build strength. Couch to 5K offers a structured setup for beginners, while local parks provide the perfect backdrop for circuits involving squats and lunges.

If you prefer a group environment, try booking high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or dance classes to challenge your muscles in new ways. Committing to just 30 minutes of movement four times a week will rapidly improve your cardiovascular health and lift your mood.

Eating well for energy and balance

Fuelling your body with whole foods ensures you maintain steady energy levels throughout the day without experiencing the dreaded mid-afternoon slump. Busy schedules often lead to grabbing snacks and a sugary coffee. But dedicating an hour on Sunday to batch-cooking for the week ahead keeps your nutrition on track.

The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends bases of starchy carbohydrates, alongside plenty of colourful vegetables and high-quality proteins like fish, beans or tofu. Also, swap sugary fizzy drinks for sparkling water to stay hydrated as the temperature rises.

Staying motivated on your fitness journey

Instead of focusing on vague targets, set specific, measurable goals such as completing a certain number of push-ups or walking 10,000 steps daily. Tracking your achievements in a journal or a fitness app provides visual proof of your hard work.

When a chaotic week disrupts your plans, simply reset the next morning rather than abandoning your efforts entirely. You can also try asking a friend to join you for a weekly tennis match or a quick walk. This keeps you accountable and makes it less likely that you’ll cancel.

Prioritising wellness and self-care

A truly holistic approach to summer readiness places equal value on how you rest and recuperate. Sleep is essential for physical recovery. Aiming for 7 to 9 hours of quality rest each night allows your muscles to repair and regulates your hormones.

High stress levels trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can stall your fitness progress and leave you feeling depleted. Consider dedicating 15 minutes each evening to a mindfulness app or a warm bath to settle your nervous system into a state of relaxation.

Every positive choice you make over the coming weeks builds a stronger, happier version of yourself. Summer presents a brilliant opportunity to explore the outdoors and connect with loved ones. By investing in your wellbeing now, you are preparing for a fantastic holiday.