Strength Isn't Seasonal - Why Consistent Movement Matters in the Summer

Alaskans and summertime, a tale as old as time...

We burn all the candles at all the ends and we LOVE welcoming it back every year. The reality is there's still only 24 hours in a day and there are so many activities and summer bucket list items to check off, but something's got to give. More often than not in studio during the month of May we hear phrases like:

• "Summer is almost here, I'll see you in September."

• "You won't see me in barre this summer - I do stuff outside."

• "I don't workout in the summer."

Excuse our blank stares and brashness but, when you say you're not going to workout in the summer, it sounds like this to us:

• "Summer is almost here, I'm not going to brush my teeth until September."

• "You won't see me brushing my teeth this summer - I stay outside."

• "I don't brush my teeth in the summertime."

We know that sounds funny (and kind of gross) but we aren't kidding! And while we love getting outside in Alaska, what usually happens is people lose the consistency that was helping them feel strong, energized and ready for all those summer activities in the first place! We feel strongly about this because we believe consistent movement isn't just about aesthetic, checking a box, or giving us something to do during the winter months - it's about supporting our energy, mood, stress levels, confidence and ability to fully participate in our lives - through every season. We want our community to feel strong and confident no matter what the weather brings!

We also believe that consistent movement becomes even more important during busy seasons because it helps our physical body stay strong and ready for anything AND it reminds our brains that we are capable of anything we set our minds to (like that big Lazy Mountain hike - no stopping at the picnic table this time)! We have seen it time and time again, the clients who stay consistent during the summer keep their strength all year long and NEVER feel like their workouts have stolen anything from their summer.

But hey, don't think we are giving you a lecture here, we do truly get it, we live here too! Some days it feels like there aren't enough hours. Here are our favorite tips for keeping your workouts consistent in the summertime:

• Be flexible! Change it up a little. You want to workout three times this week but your evenings are packed with fun adventures and BBQ's - no problem, book that 615am spin class that you're always hearing about!

  
  

• Team up! Science has proven time and time again that having an accountability partner who is going to show up and workout with you helps you stay on track AND get more effectiveness out of your workout. Text your friend group and tell them to meet you at 630pm heated flow (bonus tip - head to Bear Paw River Brewing after for a salad and pizza).

  
  

• Re-frame the mind game! It's not "This is taking up time in my day," IT IS: "This is going to make the rest of my day better because I'm going to feel strong, confident and successful after I get this workout done." What an amazing way to start (or end) the day!

Remember friends, this isn't all or nothing, we are NEVER surprised when the sun is shining bright, it's 75 degrees out and there's a few less people in 6:15pm Barre... but we think you'll be surprised when you show up and see how many people are still there!!! You're in great company here and we love seeing you in class rain or shine!

See you in the studio!