Shaping Up: Why summer Is the best time to get active
Summer is one of the best times of year to get moving. The days are longer, the weather is better, and there are more opportunities to be active without it feeling like exercise.
In the winter, it is easy to stay indoors. It is dark when you leave for work and dark when you get home. The sofa often feels more appealing than a walk or a workout.
But summer is different.
The lighter evenings make it much easier to fit activity into your day. A walk after tea suddenly becomes enjoyable instead of feeling like a chore. You can spend more time outdoors with family and friends without even thinking about exercise.
One of the best things about living in our area is having so many great places to be active.
You can walk along Seaham beach, explore the coastal path, spend time at Seaburn, or enjoy a stroll around Herrington Country Park. None of these activities feel like hard work, but they all help improve fitness, burn calories, and boost your mood.
Summer is also a great opportunity to get the whole family involved.
Instead of sitting indoors, you can head to the park, play football, go for a bike ride, or simply spend more time outdoors. Being active does not always have to mean going to the gym.
Another reason people find summer easier is that energy levels often improve.
More daylight can help with mood, motivation, and sleep. When you feel better, it becomes easier to make healthier choices. You are more likely to move more, eat better, and stay consistent.
The biggest mistake people make is waiting for the perfect time to start.
They tell themselves they will start next week, next month, or after their holiday. Before they know it, summer has passed and nothing has changed.
Instead, use the season to your advantage.
A few walks each week, a short workout at home, or spending more time outdoors can make a huge difference over the next couple of months.
At East Coast Fitness, this is one of our favourite times of year. Our outdoor classes at Seaham Marina are always popular during the summer months. There is something special about training outside with the sea air, the views across the marina, and a great group of people around you. It is a fantastic way to get fit, meet new people, and make the most of the lighter evenings.
You do not need to do anything extreme.
Just get outside, move a little more, and enjoy everything summer has to offer.
WORKOUT
Summer evening burner 10-munite workout
This quick workout is perfect for making the most of the lighter evenings. You can do it in the garden, at the park, on the beach, or anywhere outdoors.
Format
30 seconds work 15 seconds rest
Complete all exercises twice.
I always advise a light warm up before you start and a good stretch afterwards.
Exercises
Walking Lunges Squat Pulses Bear Crawls Plank to Press Up Skater Jumps
Ten minutes is all it takes to get moving, boost your energy, and make the most of those longer summer days.
RECIPE
Summer Chicken Skewers and Rice
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, diced 1 red pepper, chopped into chunks 1 yellow pepper, chopped into chunks 1 red onion, chopped into chunks 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil 250g microwave rice Salt and pepper
Method
Place the chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
Brush with olive oil and sweet chilli sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.
Cook under the grill or in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Heat the rice according to the packet instructions and serve alongside the skewers.
Simple, colourful, and perfect for summer evenings.