LIUNIAN/ISTOCK
I look forward to the day when I no longer hear references in the fitness and wellness world to getting ready for “swimsuit season” or shedding weight for our “summer bodies.” What if our “summer bodies” could just be whatever our bodies look like in the summer? And what if instead of worrying about a number on the scale, we focus on feeling stronger after a workout or calmer after a walk? Speaking as someone who has put on weight during the last 14 months, here’s what I’m choosing to focus on instead.
- How good it feels to push myself through an intense workout.
- Trying a new summer recipe that’s nutritious and actually tastes good.
- Finally getting to hug friends and share in-person laughs with loved ones.
- Having the energy to play a tenth round of hide and seek with my nieces (who, somehow, never run out of energy).
- The way the air smells and how good the sun feels on a long hike with my two dogs.
- Having the balance and core strength to try standup paddleboarding and, hopefully, not toppling off.
- Feeling strong during a bike ride with multiple unforgiving hills.
- Having the endurance to haul hoses, potting soil, and planters for my new flowers and trees (which I’m determined to not kill).
- Picking rocks and agates along the shores of Lake Superior with my sister and nephew.
- How much more peaceful I feel after a gentle yoga flow.
Until the day that “summer body” references are a thing of the past, let’s celebrate who we are, how we feel, and what our bodies are capable of this summer and all year long.
What keeps you motivated as we head into summer?
By Karen Tinlin June 2, 2021
Oh my gosh….this was WONDERFUL! I’m motivated to stay healthy to enjoy the wonderful weather and chance to travel again. Good job Maggie.
By Maggie Thorison June 2, 2021
Thanks, Karen!
By Wanda Jewett June 2, 2021
Summer body?? You aced this subject! Regardless of age we need to be more concerned about getting to our healthy body and rocking it all through the year. Together we CAN!
By Charlotte June 2, 2021
Great article! I agree!
By Maggie Thorison June 4, 2021
Love that, Wanda!
By Janet Long June 2, 2021
Thank you for this great information. Hadn”t thought about a lot of the things you said.
By Maggie Thorison June 4, 2021
Thank you for reading, Janet 🙂
By Margaret Sullivan June 3, 2021
THANKS SO MUCH FOR GREAT INFO. AFTER READING I AM MOTIVATED ONCE AGAIN TO GET FIT.
By Maggie Thorison June 4, 2021
Awesome, Margaret!!
By Fran Drozdz June 3, 2021
Love this! Bloom where you are planted! You are rocking it Maggie!
By Maggie Thorison June 4, 2021
Thank you, Fran!
By Tamson Darland June 3, 2021
This is great information. I am a Diabetic and thank you for bringing this information to TOPS Members.
By Maggie Thorison June 4, 2021
Thank you for reading, Tamson 🙂
By Valerie June 4, 2021
Yeah I never was much for bikinis anyway. But I do love to swim in pools and lakes during the summer so I am looking forward to that. I like swimsuits I can swim ♀️ in. Cooking in summer can be easy and fun with salads and grilling. Thanks for the great article!
By Maggie Thorison June 4, 2021
Thanks for reading, Valerie! 🙂
By Ron Wenberg June 5, 2021
Hi Maggie, I look forward to the summer months do I can drag bags of potting soil& mulch to my garden too. I love digging in the dirt and planting something new every year. This year I’ve got red romaine, one of my favorites along with a lot of other lettuces. My New one this year is sugar snap peas. So far so good. Thanks much for the wellness info. Fantastic as usual
By Carolyn Campbell June 6, 2021
I love your site Magge! So inspirational! Thank you so much!