A Teacher’s Guide to Staying Active and Fit During Summer

You know, summer holidays and relaxation go hand in hand, right? A break from the usual routine, time to kick back and soak up some fun. 

While it's a time to unwind and take things easy, the break also offers a unique opportunity to focus on personal well-being. 

Physical fitness, an aspect that often takes a backseat during the busy school year, can become a joyful pursuit during this free time. 

It was beautifully said by the Greek philosopher Plato (fourth century BC as cited in Strhole, 2009), 

“On order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education, and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body but for the two together. With these two means, men can attain perfection”.

So, let's dive into why summer is a great time to get active, how to make it fun and stick with it, and how this new habit could be just the beginning.

The Benefits of Physical Fitness During Summer

 

• Renewed Energy and Vitality

 

Summer is a time for rejuvenation, and physical activity plays an essential role in revitalizing body and mind. 

Whether it's a morning jog or an evening swim – not only do these make us feel physically great, but they also amp up our mood and energy levels.

For an extra splash of fun, try to incorporate water activities in your routine! Kayaking, surfing or even water aerobics can be an enjoyable way to beat the heat and stay fit.

 

• Enhancing Mental Clarity

 

Exercise isn't just about muscles; it gives our minds a workout too. A good balance of physical activities can actually help us think clearer and concentrate better. 

Activities like Yoga or Tai Chi that promote mindfulness are especially beneficial. They help you to focus on the present, quiet your mind and are a gentle way to stay active.

What better way to keep the mind active during the break, right?

 

• Strengthening Emotional Well-being

 

Exercise can be a powerful tool to alleviate stress and anxiety. During summer, the relaxed schedule allows one to explore various physical activities that contribute to emotional well-being.

Making Physical Fitness Fun and Enjoyable

 

• Start with What You Enjoy

 

First things first, pick something you love. Dance like no one's watching, take a hike or pedal away. If traditional workouts aren't your thing, think outside the box. Try rock climbing, frisbee golf, salsa dancing, or paddle boarding.

When you enjoy it, you're more likely to stick with it. 

 

• Set Realistic Goals

 

Setting achievable and realistic goals helps maintain motivation. These goals can be as simple as walking 30 minutes a day or attending a yoga class twice a week.

Physical activity guidelines for adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that a helpful target to aim for might be around 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly. 

Additionally, it's a good idea to include strength training exercises a couple of times a week that target all the main muscle groups, including the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms. 

Adopting this balanced approach to physical activity can contribute to an improvement in overall health and well-being.

Try using a fitness tracker or an app to monitor your progress and keep you motivated. Seeing your improvements in real time can be incredibly encouraging and rewarding.

 

• Build a Supportive Community

 

Sharing the fitness journey with friends or family adds a layer of enjoyment and support. Having a laugh together, cheering each other on - it's all part of the fun. 

Planning activities together or sharing your progress can make the journey more enjoyable.

Physical Fitness for the Whole Family

 

• Activities for All Ages

 

Summer vacations are an excellent opportunity to involve the whole family in fitness activities. From playing games to going on family hikes, these shared experiences create bonding and promote a healthy lifestyle.

 

• Teach Healthy Habits

 

Involving children in physical activities teaches them about the importance of a healthy lifestyle from a young age. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of valuing physical well-being.

Extending the Habit Beyond Summer

 

• Creating a Sustainable Routine

 

Hey, just because summer ends, doesn't mean the fitness fun has to!

The fitness habits built during the summer don’t need to end with the vacation. Find a routine that fits into your daily life, and you can keep up the benefits all year round. 

 

• Adapting to Seasons

 

Different seasons offer different opportunities for physical activities. 

Summer is the time for water-based activities and outdoor sports. Take advantage of the warm weather to swim in the sea, lake, or local pool. 

Try out beach volleyball, or indulge in long leisurely walks in the cool of the early morning or late evening.

Autumn is perfect for hiking and enjoying the beautiful foliage. Winter offers snow-based activities like skiing or snowshoeing. 

In spring, enjoy a bike ride or a brisk walk in the blossoming surroundings.

The key is to adapt and find enjoyable ways to stay active all year round.

In Summary

Summer vacations, with their relaxed pace and ample free time, offer an ideal opportunity to focus on physical well-being. 

By making fitness an enjoyable and integral part of the summer routine, one can reap the many benefits it offers.

Getting fit doesn't have to be a solo mission or feel like a chore. Choosing activities we love, setting achievable goals, and roping in our friends and family, can make fitness a rewarding part of daily life.

And who knows? What starts as a summer fling with fitness could turn into a lifelong love affair, a relationship with ourselves that nurtures our body, mind, and soul.

As the days grow longer and the weather invites outdoor enjoyment, why not take this chance to invest in yourself? 

Here's to a summer filled with health, happiness, and the simple joy of moving. Enjoy the journey!