The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and patios are filling up—no doubt, summer is here! It’s the season many Quebecers look forward to most… and also the one where healthy habits tend to slip. Think: cocktails, bistro food, and slowly ditching your workouts. After all—it’s summer, right?
But why is it so hard to take care of your health during this beautiful time of year?
If you want to make the most of summer without undoing all the work you’ve put in since fall, here are a few practical tips:
1. Work Out… Anytime!
Let’s face it—summer weather is ideal for staying active at any time of day, without fear of freezing. During the rest of the year, we often blame the weather or inconvenient class schedules. In summer, those excuses don’t fly. Whether it’s morning, noon, or night—get moving! You might even discover that your performance peaks at a different time than usual.
2. Try Something New!
Tired of your usual workouts? Be bold—try something different. New sports pop up every year. Whether it’s climbing, canyoneering, rafting, or trail running, there’s surely an activity out there for you. On rainy days, train indoors with a new strength program or a functional fitness class (like Gym Perfo), or beat your personal best on the Centre Multisports indoor track. Keep an open mind and focus on discovering something new.
3. Happy Hour? After the Workout!
It’s easy to skip a workout when your friends are waiting on the patio. But why not shake things up and invite them to move before the first drink? It’s a fun way to socialize and burn a few calories before that glass of wine.
4. Savor the Summer
Summer means seasonal fruits and vegetables! Add color to your plate with vibrant salads and pair them with grilled lean meats for a healthy, refreshing meal. Make the most of outdoor meals—this season is short!
5. Watch Your Alcohol Intake
(Yes, I know this won’t make me popular...)
Tempting as it may be, try to moderate your alcohol consumption. Alcohol is calorie-dense and saps your motivation. If you’re going to drink, steer clear of sugary cocktails—they’ll spike your blood sugar and zap your energy. In short, too much alcohol now means triple the effort come fall to get back in shape.
Most importantly, just enjoy summer—because before you know it, the leaves will turn and fall will be back in full swing!
Have a healthy, happy summer!