Here’s one way to sabotage a workout.

It was a beautiful day outside,  but gym members were dutifully working out inside. This was a few years ago at a gym where I worked. While faithfully working out on a stair master facing a window, one woman told me how miserable she was. All she wanted was to be outside! This woman had been convinced the only place she could get a good work out was inside the gym!

The odds of this woman sticking to her exercise routine for the long term was very slim.

This was one of many conversations that inspired me to take my training business out of the gym entirely.

Have you seen the statistics about gym membership?

You see, after years of doing private fitness coaching, I have discovered most people enjoy physical activity. However, many people do not like formal “workouts” or exercising inside. Never mind spending their precious summer vacation time indoors! I believe this is one of the main reasons only 20% of a gym’s membership use the facility 2 times or more per week!

If you are part of the 80%, you may want to consider canceling that charitable donation and choosing something new.

It’s totally normal to have days when you feel like “blowing off” physical activity. But you’re in trouble if it’s because your routine makes you absolutely miserable.

This is why walking is still the most popular form of exercise for many people. Things like enjoying the scenery, having a destination, walking your pet, or talking to a friend make it pleasurable. Over the years I’ve noticed that  my clients who exercise outside of the gym stick to it long term.

Are you one of the 20% that frequents the gym regularly but would like to enjoy the nicer weather? Summer is a great time to do some cross training and mix it up a bit. Check to see if your gym offers outdoor activities. Or, try something from the list below and work it into your weekly routine. Your body will have to work harder to adapt to the new activity.

Schools out! Include the kids!

Are you finding yourself missing work outs because the kids are out of school? Chances are your kids want to be out playing this summer! This does not have to sabotage your fitness goals! Outdoor exercise will allow you to enjoy some summer fun as a family without gaining weight! Who knows? You may discover something you want to add to your routine long term!

Here are ten ways to have fun, get that Vitamin D, and burn off the calories! 

• Body Surfing for 30 minutes (102 calories)
• Leisure Bike Riding for 30 minutes (136 calories)
• Leisure swimming for 30 minutes (205 calories)
• Water skiing for 30 minutes (205 calories)
• Moderate Lap Swimming for 30 minutes (239 calories)
• Kayaking for one hour (341 calories)
• Hiking or brisk walking for one hour (409 calories)
• Playing tennis one hour (477 calories)
• Playing beach Volleyball one hour (545 calories)
• Mountain Biking one hour (580 calories)

These calorie counts are based on a 150 pound adult. For your own personal numbers you can use a calorie tracker like loseit.

No matter what you decide to do for exercise this summer, make sure to include a balance of fun, relaxation, excitement, and weight management!

Have a fun summer activity you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below and I’ll list how many calories it burns. I love hearing from you!

Blessings!

Jennifer