Summer Wellness Tips: Maintain your Pilates routine and stay active with outdoor adventures
Can you feel it? Summer is in full swing!
Well, it's supposed to be but maybe the sun missed the memo in the UK?! 🌞 Sunshine or not, the days are longer, and the call of adventure is in the air. It's the perfect season to shake things up and keep your Pilates routine fresh and exciting.
Whether you’re planning a summer holiday, organising travel schedules, or juggling a busy life, finding ways to keep moving can be challenging. But remember, summer should not be a time to pause your progress. It’s the perfect opportunity to elevate your fitness goals and embark on new adventures. Here’s how to adapt your movement routine to the season, explore outdoor activities, and stay motivated, energised, and committed to your health and well-being.
Embrace the great outdoors
Why confine your Pilates practice to the studio when nature offers such a stunning backdrop?
Find a peaceful spot in your garden, local park, or beach. The fresh air and natural scenery can invigorate your routine and provide a refreshing change of pace. Imagine doing your stretches with the sound of waves or the rustling of leaves in the background—it’s like a reset for your nervous system, like a mini holiday!
We are running our first outdoor class - Pilates on the Lawn - in our beautiful studio garden, so why not join us? July 24th at 6.15 pm followed by a glass of fizz to celebrate the start of the summer. Book here.
Mix it up with outdoor activities
Summer is the best time to blend your Pilates routine with other fun outdoor activities. How about a hike followed by a Pilates cool-down? Or maybe, some paddleboarding to work those core muscles before a Pilates mat session? The possibilities are endless. By combining different forms of exercise, you'll keep your body challenged and your mind engaged, preventing workout boredom.
Keep it light and fun
Remember, exercise should be enjoyable! Incorporate playful elements into your summer workouts, we have some playful classes in our Pilates At Home library or try an online Pilates class with friends. The key is to keep things light-hearted and fun, ensuring you look forward to each workout. Every time you turn up on your mat you are winning!
Stay hydrated and listen to your body
Summer heat can be intense (especially if you're holidaying abroad), so it's crucial to stay hydrated and listen to your body. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts. If the weather is particularly hot, consider practising during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening. And always, always listen to your body—if something doesn’t feel right, take a break or modify the exercise. Remember when stretching and using release balls and rollers it’s even more important to stay hydrated.
Set new goals and track progress
New goals are not confined to January resolutions, summer is a fantastic time to set new fitness goals. Whether you'd like to master a challenging Pilates move, increase your flexibility or strength, or simply stay consistent with your routine, having clear goals can keep you motivated. Remembering the why behind your Pilates practice is what keeps me motivated. Here are my whys:
My Pilates practice keeps me grounded, helping me to slow down and notice what is present.
It helps keep my body free of aches and pains.
It makes me feel good.
Why not write down your why’s somewhere you’ll see them, a constant reminder of why you’re showing up for yourself.
Track your progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Each time you arrive on your mat is something to celebrate! To keep you motivated we’ve added a free 6-week workout plan to LHP At Home for members to follow, with two handpicked, varied classes per week with and without props and no huge time commitment. We promise your body will thank you.
Incorporate rest and recovery
Don’t forget that rest and recovery are essential in every fitness routine. Enjoy the summer vibes, take time to relax, and allow your body to rejuvenate. Incorporate gentle stretching or a relaxing Pilates session focused on mindfulness and breathwork to balance your more intense workouts.
Stay connected with your Pilates community
Sometimes, staying motivated is all about community; feeling part of something bigger. So, before our group classes finish for the summer break, swap numbers with classmates and keep in touch over the summer, perhaps do online Pilates classes together with LHP At Home, or introduce friends and family to Pilates At Home. Sharing your journey with others can provide support, inspiration, and a sense of accountability.
Lauren Hilton Pilates online on-demand
Our Pilates At Home online membership provides a treasure trove of Pilates classes to access anytime anywhere, at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for a quick workout on a busy day or want to dive into a more comprehensive session, you can choose classes that suit your time availability, body, and specific goals.
The beauty of LHP At Home is that it empowers you with the freedom to move and connect your body and mind whenever and wherever you choose. You can customise your summer movement routine to fit your needs and preferences with over 200 classes to choose from, and many specialist categories.
If you prefer to be guided to maintain your motivation, you can follow our free 6-week Pilates Plan - available within the member area. You'll be ticking off two Pilates classes a week and progressing through handpicked classes that will keep you consistently moving into the Autumn!
Final thoughts
Summer is a time of joy, exploration, and growth. It’s the perfect season to take your Pilates practice to new heights, enjoy the process, and make the most of the beautiful weather (assuming we get some in the UK or you find some abroad!). Roll out that mat, step into the sunshine, and let your Pilates practice soar!
Here’s to a summer filled with movement, fun, and endless adventures. Stay motivated, energised, and most importantly, stay committed to your health and well-being. You've got this!
Until September lovely people, keep shining and keep moving! 🌟✨
See you in the studio or online soon!
Lauren x
Owner and Pilates teacher, Lauren Hilton Pilates, Shrewsbury
Join Pilates At Home for online Pilates.
Take a quick tour of Pilates At Home to see the variety and specialisms we cover for just £25 per month, cancel anytime. We’d love to welcome you.