When it comes to getting fit, many people say that staying committed to their fitness routine is their biggest challenge. Workouts can become monotonous over time, and if you get bored you will soon lose motivation and give up.

Fortunately, summer offers a perfect opportunity to shake things up. Why not use the warmer months to get motivated again, try something new, and reinvigorate your fitness journey?

Here are five things to try if you want to make fitness fun this summer.

Work Out with Your Friends, Family, or Pet

Working out alone can be boring and feel isolating, and you might find yourself canceling your workout to hang out with your loved ones instead. Why not turn fitness into a social activity so that you can do both? 

Go for a walk or run with a friend, have a family sports day, or try partnered workouts such as partner yoga or bodyweight exercises. 

Exercising with loved ones can keep you motivated and accountable. When you have a workout buddy, you are less likely to skip sessions. Working out together provides an opportunity to bond and spend quality time with family and friends, engage in a little friendly competition, and support one another when things get difficult. And, if you have children, working out as a family helps to instill a love of fitness and lifelong healthy habits. 

Don’t forget your four-legged family members, too. If you have a dog, they will love going for a walk or run with you! 

Try Something New 

Even the most fun workout can become boring over time if you do it again and again. Trying new activities keeps things fresh and challenges your body in different ways, leading to better overall fitness. Learning new skills can also boost your confidence. 

Try a new team sport such as basketball or soccer, or a competitive game such as badminton or tennis. Explore a new wild swimming spot, cycling trail, or hiking location, or join a dance or Zumba class. Or, if you are feeling really brave, have a go at a more extreme activity such as rock climbing or mountain biking (remember to get proper tuition and the correct equipment to keep yourself safe.) 

Get in the Water

Water-based activities are perfect for the summer months and provide a refreshing way to stay fit and have fun. Working out in water helps to regulate your body temperature, making exercise safer and more comfortable in the summer heat.

Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout that improves your cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and enhances flexibility. And, since the water supports your weight, it is low impact and ideal for those with health issues such as arthritis or joint pain. 

Join an aqua aerobics class for a fun and effective workout that includes a mix of cardiovascular and strength exercises, take the family for a day out at a waterpark, or try water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or surfing.

Remember: you can still burn while in the water, so don’t forget your waterproof sunscreen! 

Incorporate Fitness Tech

Making use of fitness technology can make your workouts more engaging as well as helping you to track your progress. Fitness apps, high-tech wearables, and online platforms offer a variety of ways to spice up your fitness routine. Seeing your stats improve each week can also be highly motivating! 

Use fitness apps like Strava, Peloton, Caliber, and IFIT to access a wide variety of online fitness tips, tricks, resources, and programs. You can also participate in virtual fitness classes or online challenges through many of these platforms. 

On a budget? Youtube has numerous free workout videos from some of the industry’s best trainers. 

Explore Outdoor Workouts

If you usually exercise indoors, taking your workout outside can provide a change of scenery and make exercise more enjoyable. The fresh air, sunshine, and natural surroundings can boost your mood and motivation.

Evidence has shown that outdoor exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve mood. The natural environment and sunlight can also enhance your energy levels both during and after your session. And exposure to sunlight is your body’s most important source of vitamin D, which plays a role in numerous bodily processes from bone health to immune function.

Explore local running, hiking, or cycling trails, explore your city on foot or by bike, hit the local outdoor pool, play outside with your children, or simply take your yoga practice into the backyard. 

How are you keeping healthy and changing up your workout this summer? We’d love to hear your ideas!