One of the biggest mistakes people make this time of year is trying to force their normal routine into a completely different season of life.
Summer schedules are rarely predictable.
You might be traveling more, staying up later, spending more time outside, or trying to fit workouts around
vacations, camps, cookouts, and family plans.
Instead of seeing that as failure, think of it as a cue to adjust.
Your workouts do not need to look the same year round to still be effective.
Summer can actually be a great time to shift into more of a “maintenance and momentum” mindset.
That might look like:
• Two strength workouts instead of four
• Shorter workouts with more consistency
• Outdoor walks, hikes, swimming, or bike rides
• Quick strength and conditioning circuits
• More recovery between hard sessions
One thing I always encourage clients to think about during the summer is this:
Train in a
way that allows you to enjoy your life outside the gym too.
You probably do not want to crush a heavy lower body workout the day before a long hike, a travel day, or an active weekend and spend the whole time sore and exhausted.
Your workouts should support your summer plans, not compete with them.
A few example “summer mode” schedules
could look like this:
Option 1: Balanced Summer Week
• 2 strength workouts
• 1 circuit workout
• Walks or outdoor movement throughout the week
Option 2: Busy Travel Week
• 2 short full body workouts
• Mobility work
• Walking whenever possible
Option 3: Outdoor Adventure Week
• 1–2 strength workouts
•
Hiking, kayaking, swimming, long walks, etc.
• Extra recovery and flexibility
Staying connected to movement throughout the summer can help support your energy, strength, recovery, and ability to fully enjoy your life outside the gym.